Hundreds of residents benefit from free health screening at MTN Suncity Festival in Sunyani
Hundreds of residents in Sunyani have benefited from a free health screening exercise organised by MTN Ghana as part of activities marking this year’s MTN Suncity Festival at the Coronation Park in Sunyani.
The exercise, which followed a health walk involving hundreds of residents from various parts of the Bono Regional capital last Saturday, was aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and encouraging people to take greater responsibility for their health.
The screening covered several health conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, HIV, hepatitis B and breast cancer. Participants also underwent eye examinations, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments and general medical consultations.
Speaking in an interview, the Sunyani Municipal Health Promotion Officer, Justina Takyiwaa, said the organisers had targeted 350 beneficiaries, compared with the 291 people screened during last year’s exercise.
She disclosed that 191 people had undergone screening by midday on Saturday, expressing optimism that the target would be achieved before the exercise ended.
Breast cancer awareness
Madam Takyiwaa particularly urged women to prioritise breast cancer screening, noting that October was dedicated to raising awareness about the disease.
She encouraged women to take advantage of the awareness month to check their breast health, adding that free breast cancer screening was available at health facilities even beyond the festival’s activities.
She revealed that two cases of breast cancer were identified during last year’s screening exercise, underscoring the importance of early detection and regular medical examinations.
Non-communicable diseases
On non-communicable diseases, she described conditions such as hypertension and diabetes as silent killers and urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles through balanced diets, regular physical exercise and adequate rest.
She also encouraged residents to check their blood pressure regularly, pointing out that the service was available free of charge at health facilities across the country.
Physical fitness
The Bono Regional Manager of MTN Ghana, Kofi Owusu, said the initiative reflected the company’s commitment to the well-being of its customers and the communities in which it operated.
He explained that the health walk and subsequent screening were designed to complement one another by promoting physical fitness while providing residents with access to basic medical services.
According to him, the free screening was particularly important for people who, due to financial constraints or busy schedules, might not have the opportunity to visit health facilities for routine medical examinations.
He said qualified health professionals and specialists were available to conduct the screenings, provide medical advice and offer further assistance to participants requiring additional medical attention.
Mr Owusu encouraged MTN customers and the general public to take advantage of the initiative, emphasising that good health was essential to sustaining active participation in economic and social activities.
2026 MTN Suncity Festival
Meanwhile, the 2026 MTN Suncity Festival, which seeks to celebrate local culture, strengthen community relationships and reward customers, features a series of activities, including a health walk, free health screening, music concert and an inter-community football gala.
A Sunyani-based businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Suncity Radio, Mr. Ransford Antwi, commended MTN for its continued support for the festival and urged residents to participate actively in the various activities.
He said the festival provided an important platform for bringing communities together while promoting local culture, social interaction and community development.