The AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine has climaxed its annual free health screening exercise with a strong call on community members to make regular medical check-ups part of their lives.
According to the company, regular health examinations are crucial for the early detection of life-threatening diseases such as breast and prostate cancer.
Mr. Edmund Oduro Agyei, the Community Relations Manager, in a speech read on his behalf, said breast and prostate cancers remained among the leading causes of mortality in Ghana.
Mr. Agyei explained that the month of October, globally dedicated to breast cancer awareness, served as an important period to honour those affected by the disease and to reaffirm global commitment to equitable access to care and improved survival rates.
This year’s observance was held under the global theme, “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” highlighting the importance of health promotion, early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment.
The campaign also sought to foster collaboration among stakeholders to amplify impact and promote sustained awareness.
Citing data from the Global Cancer Observatory, Mr. Agyei revealed that Ghana recorded more than 7,000 breast and prostate cancer cases, resulting in nearly 4,000 deaths.
He stressed that many of these fatalities occurred because patients were diagnosed at late stages due to limited awareness and inadequate access to screening services.
Mr. Agyei reaffirmed AngloGold Ashanti’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the people in its operational areas.
He explained that the company had rolled out a comprehensive health awareness and screening campaign targeting Obuasi and surrounding communities.
The initiative forms part of AGA’s Integrated Health Improvement Programme under its 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), which supports Ghana’s national health objectives and aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 – ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing for all.
He disclosed that through its health partnerships, AGA had reached over 23,000 individuals since 2021, with more than 5,000 community members benefiting in 2025 alone through various healthcare outreaches.
As part of its continued investment in community health infrastructure, AGA is set to commission an ultra-modern health centre at Binsere/Dokyiwa, a CHPS compound and health staff quarters at Apitikooko, as well as a refurbished Akrokerri Health Centre, which includes a new surgical theatre.
Mr. Agyei also urged Ghanaians to sustain the fight against cancer beyond the month of October by supporting one another in prioritizing personal health and wellbeing.
The health screening exercise was organized in partnership with Geocrest, Otumfuo Foundation, AGA Health Foundation, Obuasi East and West Health Directorates, traditional leaders, and the Smile Foundation.
Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine for its continuous support toward improving healthcare delivery and promoting the wellbeing of communities in and around Obuasi.
