Although HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) is a cornerstone to HIV prevention and treatment, only a few Ghanaians are
aware of their HIV sero-status. To ensure that HCT functions as a gateway to AIDS-related care, the Ministry of Health/Ghana
Health Service is working to achieve universal HIV testing coverage in the country by 2015. The aim of this study was to
determine awareness of HCT as well as factors influencing utilization of HCT in Kwawu West Municipality. This was a cross
sectional study which employed quantitative approaches. Nkawkaw township which, is a high-risk area for HIV infection, was
selected for the study where 400 questionnaires were administered to community members. Data was entered and analyzed
using EPI-INFO version 3.4.1. Descriptive statistics were run to describe the distribution of the data. Also, chi square test was
run to demonstrate associations between the dependent and independent variables. The results showed high (89%) HCT
awareness in the communities, yet only 29.2% of respondents have tested for HIV. Reasons for uptake included personal
interest in knowing their HIV status (39.3%), pregnancy (22.2%), blood donation (11.1%) and for marriage purposes (10.2%).
On the contrary, fear of knowing one’s status was a major reason why many did not test. Considering gaps in HCT awareness
and uptake of services we propose that educational programmes on HCT must be developed and implemented across these
communities. Also, educational programmes must, in addition to awareness creation, encourage uptake of HCT services.