Asanko Gold Ghana Limited has responded positively to urgent call for intervention by health officials to address rising malaria cases, especially among children under five years in the Amansie West District and nearby communities.
It has organised free health screening for residents of Manso Abore and surrounding communities in the Amansie West District, as part of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Malaria Day, which fell on Saturday.
This year’s commemoration is themed: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”
The exercise included malaria testing, blood pressure checks, blood sugar screening and general medical consultations.
Management of Asanko Gold Ghana also distributed over 2,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to Senior High School students within the catchment area towards protecting young people and reinforce prevention efforts.
Available data by the Amansie West District Health Directorate indicated that the district recorded over 36,000 malaria cases at the Outpatient Departments (OPD) in 2024, which rose to more than 38,000 cases in 2025.
However, the situation among children under five remains worrying, as malaria cases in this category increased from 8,000 in 2024 to 10,000 in 2025.
Health officials have attributed the rising cases, particularly among children, to mined pits usually left uncovered by illegal miners, which have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes in many communities across the district.
Addressing a durbar and mini clinic to commemorate the World Malaria Day, Mr
Justice Fenteng deputising for the General Manager of Asanko Gold Ghana Limited, said the company’s commitment goes beyond such events, as it continues to invest in healthcare infrastructure, including the construction of CHPS compounds at Tetrem and Krofrom to bring essential health services closer to the people.
“These are long-term investments aimed at improving access to healthcare and strengthening our communities,” he stated.
Mr. Fenteng emphasised that preventing malaria was not only the responsibility of government or institutions, but requires collective action, starting from homes and communities.
He encouraged residents in Manso and surrounding areas to regularly use mosquito nets, keep their environment clean, seek early testing, and take preventive measures seriously.
The Amansie West District Director of Health Services, Pharm. Bernard Badu Bediako, called for a collective effort from all stakeholders to help eliminate malaria in the district, while commending the management of Asanko Gold Ghana Limited for supporting efforts aimed at tackling the disease.
He hinted that public education has been intensified on the causes, prevention, and control of malaria, with a shift in focus from control to elimination.
The Director of Health urged residents to complete their full course of anti-malaria medication, as many tend to stop treatment after feeling better on the first day.
He also encouraged the use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets advising that inspite of raised concerns about the use of the treated mosquito nets, sleeping under treated nets was far safer than risking infection and developing severe malaria.
