In observance of International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15, themed “Demonstrating Impact, from Challenge to Change,” the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation launched an awareness campaign in Mehuntem (Mile 10), a farming community in the Prestea-Huni Valley Municipality.
The Foundation partnered with the Municipal Assembly and Health Directorate to educate residents on early warning signs, prevention and treatment options for childhood cancers, stressing the importance of early detection.
Executive Secretary Abdel Razak Yakubu said the initiative aimed to equip residents with knowledge to enable timely diagnosis and care. The Foundation also offered free registration and renewal of National Health Insurance Scheme cards and commissioned a small-town water project to address water shortages and reduce waterborne diseases.
Since its establishment in 2004, the Foundation has invested over US$4.8 million in health initiatives, including adolescent reproductive health programmes, quarterly medical outreaches and construction of health facilities. It also supports global health campaigns such as World Malaria Day, Menstrual Hygiene Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Lead Specialist Dr. Magdalene Bakari said the campaign sought to improve the health and productivity of young people. Mehuntem was selected due to its large youth population and high poverty levels. She noted that similar outreach programmes were held last year in Subri, Konduakrom, Pepesa and Huniso.
Dr. Enoch Addo-Sarkodie of the Tarkwa Mines Hospital identified leukemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma and brain and central nervous system tumours as common childhood cancers, emphasizing that early treatment can save lives. He urged parents to seek immediate medical care for children showing symptoms, warning that delays could lead to complications or death.
In 2002, Gold Fields Ghana established the Community Development Fund to help finance development initiatives, projects and programmes in the host communities of the Tarkwa and Damang mines. In 2004, the fund was officially registered as the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation.
The Foundation has a formalised governance structure and funding mechanism. It is the first foundation to be set up by a mining company in Ghana. The Foundation focuses on five key areas, namely: education, health, water and sanitation, agriculture and infrastructure.
Story by Yaaba Yamikeh
