An estimated 152 new HIV infections were recorded in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) in 2025.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Frederick Faidoo, who disclosed this, noted that available statistics indicate that currently about 4,198 persons are living with the disease in the metropolis.
He revealed that the figure makes the area, the district with the highest number of people living with the condition in the Western Region.
He said it comprised 1,344 males aged 15 years and above, 2,623 females aged 15 years and above, and 231 children between zero and 14 years.
The STMA mayor was speaking at the opening of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan HIV and AIDS Stakeholders’ Review Meeting.
The meeting was aimed at providing stakeholders with an opportunity to review the implementation and progress of HIV-related activities, assess achievements against planned targets, identify challenges and service delivery gaps, as well as share experiences and lessons learnt.
The stakeholders were to discuss emerging issues affecting the HIV response and identify practical strategies to improve the effectiveness, coordination and sustainability of interventions within the metropolis.
He decried the 152 new infections recorded last year as a worrying concern that required renewed commitment and collective action from all stakeholders.
“According to the 2025 Ghana AIDS Commission National and Sub-national HIV and AIDS Estimates Report, the total number of people living with HIV in Ghana is estimated at 337,435.
“Of the figure, 21,922 were children below 15 years, while 315,513 were adults aged 15 years and above,” he added.
Mr. Faidoo also disclosed that the Western Region recorded an estimated 23,548 people living with HIV, placing it fifth among the regions with the highest population of persons living with the condition in the country.
He said Greater Accra recorded the highest population of people living with HIV with 77,512, followed by Ashanti with 68,505, Eastern with 42,953 and Central with 24,468.
The STMA has the highest number of persons living with HIV in the Western Region, followed by Tarkwa-Nsuaem with 3,536, Prestea-Huni Valley with 2,248 and Wassa Amenfi East with 2,112.
Mr. Faidoo said the statistics underscored the need for stronger collaboration among the Assembly, Ghana Health Service, civil society organisations, development partners, community groups and other stakeholders.
Josiah Kwofie, an Educationist and Counsellor, called for a revolutionary approach to curbing the spread of the virus.
Francis Anthonio, the Acting Technical Coordinator for the Ghana AIDS Commission in the region, stressed the need for prudent choices to reduce the death burden associated with HIV and AIDS.
“Ghana plans of eliminating the condition by 2030, which calls for improved strategies and sustained actions to reach that goal,” he indicated.
He said, “Though you can buy sex, buy with your health and safety in mind, use the condoms, and let’s kill new infections, particularly among the youthful population.”
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi