Atwereboanda, Shama District — The Ghana Nurses Association UK (GNA-UK), in collaboration with Renel Ghana Foundation and Soles of Hope, conducted a large-scale community health outreach in Atwereboanda on 13th November 2025.
The initiative formed part of GNA-UK’s annual commitment to improving healthcare delivery and uplifting underserved communities across Ghana. The outreach also highlighted the urgent need to address environmental pollution caused by illegal mining in the area.
Over 200 Residents Receive Free Medical Services
A multidisciplinary team comprising eight GNA-UK nurses, four newly qualified nurses from the University of Cape Coast, a Physician Assistant, and staff from Renel Ghana Foundation and Soles of Hope provided comprehensive medical care to more than 200 residents, including 120 adults and over 80 children.
Services included blood pressure screening, malaria testing, general triage, clinical assessments, consultations, and prescriptions. Essential health supplies such as antimalarials, dewormers, vitamins, sanitary pads, mosquito nets, and aqua tablets were also distributed, helping reduce the community’s vulnerability to preventable illnesses.
Empowering Communities Through Health Education
In addition to medical care, the outreach included specialized health education sessions focused on:
- Diabetes management and prevention
- Malaria prevention
- Teenage pregnancy and child marriage
- Oral and personal hygiene
- Infection prevention and control
- Breast and prostate cancer awareness
- WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices
These sessions equipped residents with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed health decisions for long-term wellbeing.
Illegal Mining Threatens Community Health
During the outreach, the team inspected a nearby river and discovered severe pollution linked to illegal mining (galamsey) activities, allegedly by foreign operators. The contamination poses serious risks to public health, livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and the dignity of residents.
Call for Immediate Action
GNA-UK, Renel Ghana Foundation, and Soles of Hope are urging:
- Government agencies and environmental regulators to enforce laws
- Rehabilitation of polluted water bodies
- Community-led environmental surveillance
- Alternative livelihood programs for youth
- Provision of boreholes to reduce reliance on contaminated water sources
Inspiring Testimony: From Survivor to Advocate
Among the volunteers was Sheriffa Adam, a former child marriage survivor rescued by Renel Ghana Foundation. Supported by GNA-UK, she completed her nursing training and now serves as a midwife and Ambassador of Change, symbolizing resilience, hope, and the transformative power of education and empowerment.
Commitment to Continued Impact
Despite heavy rainfall, the outreach was executed successfully. GNA-UK and partner organization leaders expressed gratitude to volunteers, donors, and the Atwereboanda community.
They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, protecting the environment, and empowering vulnerable communities through sustainable, people-centered development.
President Mahama urges formal sector workers to embrace farming
