Audio By Carbonatix Miss Health Ghana has partnered with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) to scale up awareness on malaria prevention and the health risks linked to illegal mining in the Atiwa West District of the Eastern Region. The initiative formed part of activities marking World Malaria Day 2026 under the theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must.” Health officials highlighted the growing link between illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and malaria transmission, noting that abandoned mining pits often collect stagnant water, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes. They also raised concerns over mercury contamination associated with galamsey, which can lead to Minamata disease, a serious neurological condition affecting exposed communities. As part of the campaign, organisers embarked on a four-day sensitisation tour across 10 Junior High Schools in the district, reaching more than 1,000 students. The outreach, carried out in collaboration with the Atiwa West District Health Directorate and the District Education Directorate, focused on malaria prevention, environmental protection and the dangers of mercury exposure. An essay competition was also held to encourage students to propose solutions to both malaria and illegal mining, with participants demonstrating strong awareness and concern about their communities. The climax of the programme featured a health walk through Abomosu, followed by a durbar attended by over 500 students and residents. The Atiwa West District Director of Health Services, Janet Korkor Djangmah, warned that “malaria is deadly and must be treated with all seriousness,” adding that “every uncovered pit is a potential death trap.” Executive Director of Miss Health Ghana, Gladys Rockson, said the initiative had created “1,000 new ambassadors” to champion health education. The project was spearheaded by Esther Cachana, Doreen Afriyie and Chelsie Jomsentuh Malegho, with support from the Eastern Regional Health Directorate, traditional authorities and community leaders. Stakeholders called for stricter enforcement of mining regulations and sustained public education, stressing that eliminating malaria in Ghana will require tackling environmental drivers such as galamsey. DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Tags: Atiwa West Galamsey Malaria Miss Health Ghana NMEP DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Related to this story Miracles Aboagye hints at exposing top officials in galamsey crackdown row Adamus Resources refutes illegal mining claims; says due process not followed in licence revocation rCOMSDEP engages Northern Regional Minister on small-scale miners registration drive Assin North Blue Water Guard team appeals for logistics to combat galamsey Christian Council backs tougher galamsey fight, urges forgiveness over attack on Pentecost chairman Use intelligence services to target galamsey financiers, not victims – Daryl Bosu Beyond this year, if we don’t nip galamsey in the bud, we can’t really do anything – Daryl Bosu Declare galamsey a public health emergency now — Paediatric Society urges gov’t Treat galamsey like COVID-19 or risk Ghana’s future — Paediatrician warns gov’t Culture, corruption fuel Ghana’s galamsey crisis — Study reveals Latest Stories 2026 BECE: GES bans teachers, supervisors linked to last year’s malpractice from exam centres51 seconds Gov’t moves to upgrade power system after Akosombo switchyard fire1 minute Finance Minister praises GRA for boosting voluntary tax compliance5 minutes Miss Health Ghana, NMEP intensify fight against Malaria and galamsey in Atiwa West5 minutes Energy Minister lauds Mahama’s presence at Akosombo recovery site19 minutes Glitz Africa announces awardees for Ghana Women of the Year Honours 202625 minutes ‘This is an act of God’ – Mahama on Akosombo Substation fire27 minutes Unemployed graduate returns GH₵4,000 he found at ATM34 minutes Ghana’s key economic indicators show positive trajectory – Deloitte Ghana partner45 minutes Bole-Bamboi MP urges colleagues to be innovative, think outside the box for development in constituencies47 minutes Treat her like a queen with Joy FM’s ‘Mum’s Day Out’ experience52 minutes There is a mismatch between reference rate and inflation – Mark Badu-Aboagye54 minutes Mahama encourages VRA, says Akosombo fire offers fresh start to modernise facility59 minutes TEWU urges government to uphold workers’ dignity in 2026 May Day message1 hour Mahama praises VRA engineers during Akosombo switchyard inspection1 hour