The Gold Fields Ghana Foundation’s (GFGF’s) quarter four breast cancer and community medical outreach programme has served almost 630 residents of New Atuabo and its surrounding communities in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
The event, held in collaboration with Telecel Ghana, Unilever Ghana, and the Rotary Club of Tarkwa, was organised under the Pinktober 2025 theme: “Support, Screen, and Survive.”
Beyond cancer screening, attendees received essential health services, including blood sugar and pressure checks, BMI assessments, malaria testing, dental and eye examinations, as well as Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) consultations.
They also had access to free medications, while those identified with health challenges were referred to hospitals for further diagnosis and care.
Dr Magdalene Bakari, Lead Specialist of Health Services at Gold Fields Ghana, said the outreach formed part of the Foundation’s Group Legacy Programme (GLP), which prioritises health awareness campaigns and access to quality healthcare as a cornerstone of sustainable community development.
She said it also reaffirmed Gold Fields’ alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals).
Dr Bakari emphasised that, in commemoration of Pinktober, the outreach placed strong emphasis on breast cancer education and screening.
Over the past year, a total of 283 women had been screened for breast cancer during various community outreaches, with 49 referred for further assessment and care, she added.
The Lead Specialist noted that about 60 per cent of the health practitioners at the outreach were current and former beneficiaries of the Foundation’s scholarship programme, reflecting its long-term investment in local health capacity building.
In addition, Dr Bakari noted that the remaining team of qualified professionals was drawn from the Tarkwa Mine Hospital (Euracare), as well as the Prestea Huni-Valley and Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Health Directorates, who led the medical operations.
She emphasised that the outreach once again demonstrated the Foundation’s unwavering dedication to community well-being, preventive healthcare, and sustainable development.
Madam Ayishetu Mohammed, Project Coordinator for GFGF, for her part, indicated that during the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration exercise, Telecel Ghana sponsored 500 NHIS registrations and provided medical equipment for ultrasound scanning.
She revealed that, in total, 741 community members were registered or had their NHIS cards renewed to ensure sustained access to healthcare beyond the event.
According to her, Unilever Ghana supported the initiative with donations of toothpaste and hygiene supplies, which were distributed to all participants.
To date, the GFGF has invested over US$4.9 million in health and wellness initiatives, continuing its mission to enhance the quality of life in its host communities.
Rotarian Nana Yaa Pokua Siriboe, District Governor of Rotary International District 9104, said the number of women participating in the breast screening exercise was impressive and showed that the programme was making a significant impact.
She advised women that “the month of October is dedicated to breast cancer awareness, but whenever you visit the hospital throughout the year, don’t forget to get a mammogram done.”
GNA
