Over 300 benefit from Asanko's free breast, prostate and general health screening

More than 300 residents of Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd.’s host communities have benefited from free health screenings as part of the company’s Cancer Awareness Month activities.

The programme combined breast health education with breast and prostate cancer screening, alongside other medical checks, under the theme “Early Detection Saves Lives.”

Organised with support from the Amansie South District Health Directorate’s medical team, the exercise included blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar checks, urine testing, body mass index assessments and full blood count tests.

Free medication was provided to participants who needed it, while those requiring further assessment or treatment were referred to appropriate health facilities.

A breast health education session covered warning signs, risk factors, screening and when to seek medical advice. It also addressed misconceptions that can delay treatment and offered guidance on supporting people affected by breast cancer.

The Paramount Queen Mother of the Manso Nkwanta Traditional Area, Nana Nyarko Aboraa Sika III, who chaired the event, urged residents to make breast cancer awareness and appropriate health checks a year-round priority.

She cautioned against waiting until October each year to focus on the issue, stressing that conversations about cancer and attention to personal health should continue beyond the awareness month.

Reflecting on past experiences in the community, she said some deaths had been considered mysterious when the underlying illnesses had not been identified. She expressed concern about people delaying medical attention until they noticed symptoms.

Nana Nyarko Aboraa Sika III commended Asanko for the initiative, emphasising that prevention was better than cure. She welcomed the focus on early detection and timely care and thanked the company for the opportunity to chair an event addressing an issue of importance to her.

Asanko’s General Manager, Justice Fenteng, explained that breast cancer remained the main focus of the company’s October awareness activities, while prostate cancer screening was included to encourage men to take an active interest in their health.

He urged residents to seek professional medical advice, understand their screening results and follow through on recommended care.

Mr Fenteng acknowledged that fear, uncertainty, transportation difficulties, cost and competing work or family responsibilities could delay medical attention. He encouraged families and neighbours to provide practical support, including helping relatives attend follow-up appointments.

He linked good health to residents’ everyday responsibilities and aspirations, from caring for children and tending farms to running businesses and pursuing education or employment. He said supporting community well-being remained an important part of the company’s relationship with its host communities.

The event was attended by the Acting District Health Director for Amansie South, Mr Randy Osei-Boakye, traditional representatives and officials of the District Health Directorate.

Asanko’s cancer awareness activities also extended to its employees through educational sessions and screening services at the company’s on-site clinic.

The company’s medical team, led by Dr Kwasi Safo, Unit Manager for Health Services, educated staff on breast and prostate cancer. Breast screening was provided at the clinic, while men in the eligible age group were encouraged to undergo prostate cancer screening.

Dr Safo also disclosed that the company had arranged mammogram appointments for all female employees above the age of 40.

Across both the community and staff activities, participants received guidance on their results, healthy lifestyle practices and when to seek further medical attention.

The programme reinforced the importance of sustained cancer awareness, early detection and completing recommended follow-up care beyond the screening exercise.