AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has reinforced its dedication to improving health and wellbeing in its host communities through an extensive breast and prostate cancer awareness and screening campaign held in Sanso as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities.
The community durbar and health screening event, organized in collaboration with health directorates and development partners, aimed to raise awareness about breast, prostate, and mental health, while encouraging early diagnosis and healthy lifestyles.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Community Relations Manager, Mr. Edmund Oduro Agyei, Mr. Yaw Britwum Opoku, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, emphasized the importance of early detection and collective action in combating cancer in Ghana.
He revealed that cancer — particularly breast and prostate cancer — remains one of the leading causes of death in the country. Citing data from the Global Cancer Observatory, he noted that Ghana records over 7,000 cases annually, resulting in nearly 4,000 deaths, largely due to late diagnosis and limited access to screening services.
“It is imperative that early detection and timely intervention become our strongest allies in the fight against breast and prostate cancers,” Mr. Opoku said. “This knowledge must be an integral part of our communities.”
Mr. Opoku explained that AngloGold Ashanti’s community health initiative forms part of the company’s Integrated Health Improvement Programme under its 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), designed to enhance community wellbeing and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 — Good Health and Wellbeing.
He said the Obuasi Mine’s campaign targets local communities and key social groups through awareness creation, screenings, and partnerships with major stakeholders including the Obuasi Municipal and East Health Directorates, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, AGA Health Foundation, Geocrest, Smile Foundation, and traditional authorities.
The company’s approach, he noted, combines mobile health clinics, community outreach programmes, and education sessions held in churches, mosques, and schools to ensure inclusiveness and effectiveness.
Since 2021, AngloGold Ashanti and its partners have reached more than 23,000 individuals, with over 5,000 community members benefiting from health screenings and education in 2024 alone.
“We are proud to have brought healthcare closer to the people through our mini-clinics and community engagements,” Mr. Opoku said.
In addition to awareness campaigns, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine is investing in health infrastructure. Ongoing projects include the construction of an ultra-modern health centre to serve the Binseere and Dokyiwa communities, the CHPS Compound and Health Staff Quarters at Apitikooko, and the refurbishment of the Akrokerri Health Centre, which will feature a modern surgical theatre.
Mr. Opoku urged the public not to limit cancer advocacy to the Pink October campaign, but to maintain the conversation throughout the year.
“Let us continue to be advocates for change beyond Pink October,” he said. “The fight against cancer is a communal one. It requires our collective strength, determination, and compassion.”
He also expressed appreciation to Nananom, the Municipal Assembly, and AngloGold Ashanti’s partners for their unwavering support and collaboration in promoting sustainable health development in Obuasi and beyond.