Atwima Mponua records 139 new HIV infections, second highest in Ashanti Region

The Atwima Mponua District has recorded 139 new HIV infections, making it the second-highest in the Ashanti Region after the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.

The figure, according to 2025 data, was revealed at the inauguration of a nine-member District Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission.

The statistics have prompted a renewed call for urgent and coordinated action to curb the spread of the virus in the district.

District Chief Executive Ibrahim Issahak, who chairs the newly inaugurated committee, is leading efforts to strengthen public education, prevention, and support services.

Speaking at the ceremony, he described the situation as alarming and said the district could not afford to be complacent. He urged members of the committee to develop and implement effective, evidence-based interventions to reduce new infections.

Mr. Issahak called for intensified public education, voluntary counselling and testing, an end to stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV, and improved access to prevention, treatment, and care services.

He further charged members to discharge their duties with dedication, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility, noting that success would require sustained collaboration among health professionals, traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.

The nine-member committee comprises the DCE as Chairman; Deborah Mawuena Gaze; Margaret Nambu, representing the Ghana Education Service; Joyce Bannerman, Public Health Nurse representing the Health Directorate; Nana Amoako Ogyampa, representing the Traditional Authority; Catchiest Collins Opoku Boah, Chairman of the Local Council of Churches; David Baggania, representing Civil Society; Abu Adam, representing the Muslim community; and Ernest Kofi Ashie as focal person.

The inauguration marks a major step towards a stronger district-wide response to HIV and AIDS, with the committee expected to coordinate targeted interventions and deepen community engagement.

For Atwima Mponua, stakeholders agree that the fight against HIV and AIDS requires collective responsibility, consistent education, and accessible health services to protect lives.