Over 300 residents of Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd’s host communities received free health screening during a Cancer Awareness Month program that combined breast cancer education with breast and prostate screening and broader medical checks.
Held under the theme “Early Detection Saves Lives,” the program encouraged residents to seek timely medical advice and continue paying attention to their health beyond October. Free medication was administered to those who needed it, while participants requiring further assessment or treatment received referrals.
Services included breast and prostate cancer screening, blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar checks, urine testing, body mass index assessments and full blood count tests.
A breast health education session covered warning signs, risk factors, screening and when to seek medical advice. It also addressed misconceptions that can delay care and provided guidance on supporting people affected by breast cancer.
Chairing the event, the Paramount Queen Mother of Manso Nkwanta, Nana Nyarko Aboraa Sika III, urged residents to make breast cancer awareness and appropriate health checks a year-round priority.
She cautioned against waiting until the next October to revisit the subject, stressing that the conversations and attention to personal health should continue after the awareness month.
Reflecting on past community experiences, she said some deaths had been regarded as mysterious when the illnesses involved had not been identified. She expressed concern about people waiting until they noticed a problem before seeking medical attention.
Nana Nyarko Aboraa Sika III commended Asanko for the initiative. Drawing on the principle that prevention is better than cure, she welcomed the program’s emphasis on early detection and timely care. She also thanked the company for the opportunity to chair an event addressing a subject important to her.
Asanko’s General Manager, Mr. Justice Fenteng, explained that breast cancer remained the main focus of the company’s October awareness activities, with prostate cancer included to encourage men to take an active interest in their health.
He urged residents to make use of professional advice, understand their screening results and follow through on recommended care. Screening, he noted, should be followed by action where further medical attention was needed.
Mr. Fenteng acknowledged that fear, uncertainty, transport difficulties, cost and competing work or family responsibilities could prevent people from seeking help promptly. He encouraged families and neighbours to offer understanding and practical support, including helping relatives attend follow-up appointments.
He also linked good health to the daily responsibilities and ambitions of community members, from caring for children and tending farms to running businesses and pursuing education or employment. Supporting that wellbeing, he said, remained an important part of Asanko’s relationship with its host communities.
The event was attended by the District Chief Executive for Amansie South, the Acting District Health Director for Amansie South, Mr. Randy Osei-Boakye, traditional representatives and representatives of the District Health Directorate.
The company’s awareness activities also extended to staff, combining education with screening services at the onsite clinic.
Asanko’s Medical Team, led by Dr. Kwasi Safo, Unit Manager, Health Services, educated staff on breast and prostate cancer. Breast screening was also provided for staff at the clinic, while men in the eligible age group were encouraged to visit for prostate cancer screening.
Dr. Safo further noted that the company had arranged mammogram appointments for all female staff above 40, reinforcing the campaign’s emphasis on early detection.
Community participants received advice on their screening results, everyday health practices and when to seek further medical attention. Those referred for additional assessment were encouraged to complete the next stage of care.
Across the community and staff activities, the message was to sustain awareness throughout the year, seek professional advice about health concerns and follow through on recommended care beyond the screening day.
