ASA Savings and Loans marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with nationwide free screening exercise

ASA Savings and Loans Limited has embarked on a nationwide breast screening and health outreach programme to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reaffirming its commitment to women’s health, early detection, and community empowerment.

The initiative, launched at the company’s Odorkor Head Office in Accra, forms part of ASA’s flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and raising awareness about breast cancer, particularly among women in underserved communities.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Md. Aourongjeb, stressed the company’s dedication to holistic empowerment. “Our clients are mostly women, and their health is central to their financial and social well-being. Through this initiative, we are ensuring that access to healthcare is not a luxury but a right,” he said.

The Deputy CEO, Shah Abdul Wahab, also added that the screening exercise will be conducted across all ASA operational branches nationwide.

“Over 99 percent of our customers are women, many of whom seldom have time for medical checks. This initiative brings healthcare closer to them and underscores our belief that financial empowerment must go hand-in-hand with physical well-being,” he told journalists covering the event.

Hundreds of women participated in the launch, undergoing free breast examinations, blood pressure checks, and general health assessments.

The medical team, led by Dr. Edwin Essel from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, educated participants on breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and self-examination techniques.

“Early detection remains the best defence against breast cancer,” Dr. Essel said. “We urge all women to prioritise regular check-ups and seek medical advice when they notice any changes.”

From the capital to regional markets, the outreach extended across multiple communities, including Sukura K. Zongo, Kasoa Ofankor, and New Town, where hundreds of market women and traders turned up for screening.

At Sukura K. Zongo Market in Accra, the exercise drew dozens of women eager to learn about breast health. Celestina Esinam Ayivor, ASA’s Area Manager for K. Zongo, noted that many traders in the community often prioritise work over their health.

“Most of our clients are women who dedicate their time to trading. This screening allows them to detect issues early and take preventive action,” she said.

Participants expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, describing it as life-saving. “Not many financial institutions think about our health. ASA has shown they truly care beyond business,” one beneficiary said.

In Kasoa Ofankor, the screening also drew large participation from local women. Beatrice Baiden, ASA’s Area Manager for Kasoa, highlighted that the programme was open to both clients and non-clients. “We want every woman in our community to benefit from this exercise,” she said. “It’s part of our inclusive approach to supporting social and economic development.”

Dr. Essel’s medical team provided screenings and education at each site, emphasising early diagnosis and lifestyle awareness as key to combating breast cancer.

At New Town Branch in Accra, ASA’s Sustainability Manager Richard Nartey said the initiative reflects one of the core pillars of the company’s sustainability strategy.

“Health remains integral to our vision of building resilient communities. We believe that empowering women through both finance and health education creates lasting social impact,” he stated.

Participants across all sites commended ASA Savings and Loans for its consistency in championing women’s health. Many shared that they would encourage friends and relatives to take advantage of the screenings.

As the month-long campaign continues across 15 branches nationwide, ASA Savings and Loans say it aims to reach thousands more women with preventive health services and educational outreach.

“Through these efforts,” Mr. Wahab said, “we’re not just building financially secure women, but healthier, stronger, and more confident communities.”

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