Juaben, Kwadaso and Tafo municipalities lead in HIV infections in Ashanti Region – AIDS Commission
The Ghana AIDS Commission has disclosed that the Juaben Municipality has the highest rate of HIV infections in the Ashanti Region, with 2.82% of the population in the area having contracted the virus.
According to the Commission, Juaben is followed by the Kwadaso Municipality with 2.56%, and then the Tafo Municipal with 2.53%. The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has reported the highest number of new infections, with a total of 360.
Speaking on the Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9fm in Kumasi with Sir John on December 1, 2025, Olivia Graham, the Ashanti Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, stated that the virus is spreading rapidly in the region and urged the public to avoid unprotected sex.
The Ghana AIDS Commission’s data reveals that the Ashanti Region remains among the three regions with the highest number of people living with HIV in the country. Despite a slight decline in new infections, Olivia Graham emphasizes that urgent action is still necessary to curb the spread.
The latest national estimates indicate that the Ashanti Region currently has 63,759 people living with HIV, placing it behind Greater Accra Region, with 77,821 and ahead of the Eastern Region, with 44,792.
These three regions together contribute significantly to the national projection of 334,721 people living with HIV in Ghana.
Although the spread of the virus remains alarming, the Ashanti Region recorded a notable drop in new infections, declining from 3,650 cases in 2023 to 2,997 cases in 2024.
Madam Olivia Graham attributed HIV transmission in the region to several factors, including unprotected sex, family neglect and fear of discrimination.
She appealed to the youth to prioritize the use of condoms during sex to prevent contracting the virus.
She raised alarm over the declining use of condoms among young people, attributing the trend to a reduced fear of HIV and AIDS infections.
She said that while condoms remain widely available, many young people are becoming complacent about their sexual health, engaging in unprotected sex despite the risks.
“Even though we have condoms in this country, it appears the youth of today are not using them as we would want,” she said.
She explained that some young people prefer “going raw” and believe HIV is no longer deadly because fewer deaths are visible.
“Some say they prefer the natural feel. Others think HIV is no longer deadly because they no longer see people dying like before, so the fear factor is gone,” she observed.
She described such perceptions as dangerous, emphasising that condoms remain one of the most effective tools for preventing HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies.
“As much as possible, we continue to encourage them to reduce risky behaviours. Condom use is still key in preventing HIV and other infections. We advise them to either abstain, remain faithful to one partner, or use condoms consistently and correctly,” she stated.
She appealed to the young people to prioritise their health, noting their wellbeing is vital to Ghana’s future development.
“The youth are the future leaders of this country. We want them to stay safe, grow into healthy adults, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she added.
