In a bold move to confront two intertwined public health threats, Miss Health Ghana has partnered with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) to intensify malaria awareness and highlight the dangers of illegal mining, including mercury poisoning and Minamata disease, in the Atiwa West District of the Eastern Region.

The collaboration formed part of activities to commemorate World Malaria Day 2026, under the global theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must.”

The Eastern Region, covering 19,323 sq km with its capital at Koforidua, is famed for its lush hills, Volta Lake, cocoa production, and tourist sites such as the Aburi Botanical Gardens and Boti Falls. However, officials warn that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is destroying this beautiful landscape.

Beyond polluting water bodies and degrading land, abandoned galamsey pits collect stagnant water, creating perfect breeding sites for mosquitoes that transmit malaria.

Health experts also raised alarm over mercury poisoning from galamsey operations, which causes Minamata disease, a debilitating neurological condition affecting communities exposed to contaminated water and fish.

In the lead-up to World Malaria Day, Miss Health Ghana, together with the Atiwa West District Health Directorate and the District Education Directorate, embarked on a four-day sensitization tour of 10 Junior High Schools, reaching over 1,000 students.

The schools included Kwabeng Anglican JHS, Kwabeng A.M.E Zion JHS, Kwabeng Islamic JHS, Akrofufu Presby JHS, Akrofufu R/C JHS, Akropong R/C JHS, Tumfa Methodist JHS, Abomosu A.M.E Zion JHS, Ekorso-Akwadum R/C JHS, and Sankubenase R/C JHS.

Students were educated on malaria prevention, the health impact of galamsey and the dangers of mercury exposure. The team also conducted door-to-door sensitization in communities.

To deepen engagement, an essay competition was organized for JHS students on the topic: “If I were a community leader, my plan to stop galamsey and end malaria in my community.”

The winners were: Beatrice Ativor – Kwabeng Anglican JHS

1st Runner-up: Gakpe Joseph Adusei-Peasah – Akim Tumfa Methodist JHS

2nd Runner-up: Asare Blessing – Akim Akropong R/C JHS

Organizers said the essays revealed that students were not only intelligent but “extremely concerned about the environment and the future of their communities.”

The climax of the celebration saw over 500 students and community members join a health walk through the Abomosu township.

The procession ended at the Abomosu Funeral Grounds for a grand durbar.

Addressing the gathering, the Atiwa West District Director of Health Services, Dr Janet Korkor Djangmah, emphasised that “malaria is deadly and must be treated with all seriousness.”

She noted that while progress had been made, galamsey was reversing gains by creating new breeding grounds for mosquitoes and exposing residents to toxic chemicals.

“Every uncovered pit is a potential death trap. Every polluted river puts our children at risk of both malaria and mercury poisoning.

"The fight to end malaria must include the fight to end galamsey,” Dr Djangmah stated.

Miss Gladys Rockson Executive director of Miss Health Ghana reiterated their commitment to using advocacy and education to empower young people as health ambassadors.

“When you educate a student, you educate a household. We now have 1,000 new ambassadors in Atiwa West.

"This project was spearheaded by Miss Health Ghana 2024, Esther Cachana, Miss health Ghana 2025 Doreen Afriyie and Miss health Africa Chelsie Jomsentuh Malegho."

The programme was held with support from the NMEP, Eastern Regional Health Directorate, traditional authorities, teachers and community leaders.

Stakeholders called for stronger enforcement of mining regulations, community reporting of illegal mining activities, and consistent use of insecticide-treated nets.

They stressed that achieving Zero Malaria in Ghana would require addressing environmental drivers such as galamsey.

As World Malaria Day 2026 ends, the message from Atiwa West is clear: Now We Can, Now We Must.







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