Accra: The Gold Fields Ghana Foundation's (GFGF's) fourth-quarter breast cancer and community medical outreach programme has successfully served nearly 630 residents of New Atuabo and neighboring communities in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality. The event, in collaboration with Telecel Ghana, Unilever Ghana, and the Rotary Club of Tarkwa, was part of Pinktober 2025 under the theme: 'Support, Screen, and Survive'.
According to Ghana News Agency, the outreach went beyond cancer screening to provide essential health services such as blood sugar and pressure checks, BMI assessments, malaria testing, dental and eye examinations, and Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) consultations. Attendees were also offered free medications, with those needing further care referred to hospitals for additional diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Magdalene Bakari, the Lead Specialist of Health Services at Gold Fields Ghana, highlighted that the outreach is an integral part of the Foundation's Group Legacy Programme (GLP), emphasizing health awareness and access to quality healthcare as vital for sustainable community development. The initiative also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.
Dr. Bakari noted that the outreach focused heavily on breast cancer education and screening in honor of Pinktober. Over the past year, 283 women have been screened for breast cancer through various community outreaches, with 49 referred for further evaluation and care. She also pointed out that about 60 percent of health practitioners at the outreach were current and former beneficiaries of the Foundation's scholarship programme, underscoring its commitment to local health capacity building.
The remaining professionals were from the Tarkwa Mine Hospital (Euracare) and the Prestea Huni-Valley and Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Health Directorates. Dr. Bakari emphasized the Foundation's continued dedication to community well-being, preventive healthcare, and sustainable development.
Madam Ayishetu Mohammed, Project Coordinator for GFGF, mentioned that during the Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration exercise, Telecel Ghana sponsored 500 NHIS registrations and provided medical equipment for ultrasound scanning. She added that a total of 741 community members were registered or had their NHIS cards renewed to ensure continued access to healthcare.
Unilever Ghana contributed by donating toothpaste and hygiene supplies, which were distributed to all participants. To date, GFGF has invested over US$4.9 million in health and wellness initiatives to enhance the quality of life in host communities.
Rotarian Nana Yaa Pokua Siriboe, District Governor of Rotary International District 9104, praised the impressive turnout of women for the breast screening exercise, noting its significant impact. She encouraged women to prioritize mammograms during hospital visits throughout the year, beyond just the month of October dedicated to breast cancer awareness.
