Health authorities in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region have raised concern over a surge in malaria infections, particularly among children under five, calling for intensified collaboration with mining firm Asanko Gold Ghana Limited to curb the trend.

Data from the district health directorate shows malaria cases recorded at outpatient departments rose from over 36,000 in 2024 to more than 38,000 in 2025. Among children under five, cases increased from 8,000 to 10,000 over the same period.

Health officials link the rise largely to stagnant water in abandoned mining pits created by illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, which serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

The District Director of Health Services, Bernard Badu Bediako, urged stronger stakeholder collaboration to eliminate malaria, while acknowledging support from Asanko Gold Ghana Limited in ongoing interventions.

“Residents are being urged to complete their full course of anti-malaria medication, as many tend to stop treatment after feeling better on the first day. The use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets is also being strongly encouraged, despite concerns from some users about discomfort such as heat and itching. Health officials stress that sleeping under treated nets is far safer than risking infection and developing severe malaria,” he said.

To mark World Malaria Day 2026, the company organised free health screening for residents of Manso Abore and nearby communities, offering malaria testing, blood pressure checks, blood sugar screening and general consultations.

It also distributed more than 2,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to senior high school students in the area as part of prevention efforts.

In remarks delivered on his behalf, the General Manager of Asanko Gold Ghana Limited, Justice Fenteng, said the firm’s interventions extend beyond periodic campaigns to long-term investments in healthcare infrastructure.

“These are long-term investments aimed at improving access to healthcare and strengthening our communities,” he said.

The company is constructing Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in Tetrem and Krofrom to expand access to primary healthcare.

Fenteng added that tackling malaria requires collective responsibility, urging residents to maintain clean surroundings, use mosquito nets consistently and seek early testing.

This year’s World Malaria Day is being observed under the theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”