Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, inaugurated a nine-member Regional Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission (ReCCOM) to intensify efforts against the spread of HIV in the region.

The committee, established under Section 9 (2) of Act 938, will initially focus on reviewing comprehensive regional data to fully understand the scope of the ongoing fight against HIV.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Nelson emphasised the urgency of the matter, noting, “The most significant asset of our region our human resources, which are essential for driving our industries, supporting our communities, and sustaining our families faces a profound threat. If we do not take decisive action now, this crisis will only deepen, particularly in light of the diminishing donor support that we currently experience.”

He further stated, “To confront this urgent issue, I am pleased to announce the establishment of the nine-member Regional Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission (ReCCOM). The committee's first task will be to meticulously review our regional data to ensure we grasp the full extent of the challenges that lie ahead. The mandate before us is unequivocal: we must intensify our efforts, mobilize our resources, and reinvigorate our focus on prevention strategies.”

Nelson called on all stakeholders including government agencies, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, the media, and the private sector to work collaboratively on this initiative.

“We must unite to halt new infections, eliminate the stigma associated with HIV, and strengthen our systems for prevention, treatment, and care. Together, we can make a substantial impact in the fight against HIV/AIDS within our region,” he indicated.

The latest data released by the Ghana AIDS Commission for 2024 paints a concerning picture of HIV in the Western Region, with 1,120 new infections recorded over the year.

This figure translates to an average of three new infections per day a rate that has remained largely unchanged over the past five years.

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