Health officials in the Ashanti Region have raised concerns over the steady rise in HIV infections among residents, despite ongoing measures to curb the spread. According to regional data from the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), the area recorded 2,997 new HIV cases in 2024—averaging nearly nine new infections daily. The Kumasi metropolis remains a hotspot, with persistent increases that, officials say, highlight the urgent need to strengthen prevention and expand treatment services.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Dr. Fred Adomako‑Boateng, Ashanti Regional Director of Health, noted that while testing and treatment uptake have improved, a significant number of people living with HIV are still not accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART). “This gap poses a significant public health risk, and the only way to bridge it is by improving testing, increasing awareness, and making prevention services easily accessible everywhere,” he said.
He highlighted ongoing efforts towards expanding HIV testing and support services across communities in and around Kumasi. Dr Adomako‑Boateng further noted that, while there had been a notable increase in clients on treatment, stigma and discrimination continued to hinder efforts to control the spread of the virus, particularly among men and young people.
“Knowing your status is the first and most powerful step in protecting yourself and those you love,” he emphasised, and urged the public to take advantage of free testing and counselling services available at health facilities throughout the region.
Madam Olivia Graham, the Ashanti Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, also highlighted the trends, noting that, women constituted a larger proportion of those infected. She said this was partly due to higher testing rates among females compared with males.
She added that, young people aged 15–24 made up a significant share of new infections, and called for targeted interventions to address risky behaviours and strengthen preventive education among youth.
