Asanko Gold Ghana Limited has intensified its collaboration with health authorities in the Amansie West District to combat rising malaria cases, particularly among children under five, through expanded screenings, public education, and community health investments.
Health officials in the Amansie West District have raised concerns over increasing malaria cases, with figures from the District Health Directorate showing a rise from over 36,000 cases recorded at Outpatient Departments (OPD) in 2024 to more than 38,000 in 2025.
The situation is particularly worrying among children under five, where cases surged from 8,000 to 10,000 within the same period.
According to health authorities, the increase is largely linked to uncovered mining pits left behind by illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, which serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes across several communities.
The District Director of Health Services, Pharm. Bernard Badu Bediako, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to reverse the trend. He commended Asanko Gold Ghana Limited for its proactive role in supporting malaria prevention and control efforts in the district.
He noted that intensified public education campaigns are ongoing, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and a shift from malaria control to elimination.
Residents are being encouraged to complete prescribed treatment and consistently use insecticide-treated mosquito nets despite concerns about discomfort.
As part of activities marking the 2026 World Malaria Day, Asanko Gold Ghana Limited organised a comprehensive free health screening exercise for residents of Manso Abore and surrounding communities.
The initiative provided malaria testing, blood pressure checks, blood sugar screening, and general medical consultations.
In addition, the company distributed over 2,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to Senior High School students, reinforcing preventive measures among young people in the district.
In a speech read on his behalf, the General Manager of Asanko Gold Ghana Limited, Justice Fenteng, reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to community health, highlighting ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure, including the construction of CHPS compounds at Tetrem and Krofrom.
“These are long-term investments aimed at improving access to healthcare and strengthening our communities,” he stated.
He emphasized that tackling malaria requires collective responsibility and urged residents to adopt preventive practices, including maintaining clean environments, sleeping under mosquito nets, and seeking early medical attention.
Asanko Gold’s sustained partnership with local health authorities underscores its broader commitment to community development and public health, positioning the company as a key stakeholder in the district’s fight against malaria.
This year’s World Malaria Day is being observed under the theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
