The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has assured Ghanaians that the government is taking proactive steps to safeguard the country against a possible Ebola outbreak following the World Health Organisation’s declaration of the disease as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Addressing the nation in Accra on Thursday, May 21, Mr. Akandoh stated that although the outbreak has raised global concern, no Ebola case has been recorded in Ghana or any country within West Africa.
According to the Minister, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service have already intensified nationwide surveillance, screening, and preparedness measures at key entry points across the country in collaboration with international health partners.
“Dear countrymen and women, the Ministry of Health over the past one week has issued two publications on Ebola. Last week, WHO declared Ebola as a public health emergency of international concern,” he said.
Mr. Akandoh explained that Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease transmitted through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, secretions, and contaminated materials. He urged the public to remain alert and seek immediate medical attention when symptoms such as sudden fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding are detected.
“People experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding should immediately report to the nearest health facility,” he cautioned.
Despite the concerns surrounding the outbreak in parts of Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the Minister stressed that Ghana’s risk level remains low.
“It is important to note that no cases have been recorded in West Africa, including our dear country, Ghana,” he reassured.
The Health Minister further appealed to the public to strictly observe preventive protocols, particularly proper hand hygiene, to reduce the risk of infection.
“One, practice good hand hygiene. What this means is that we should wash our hands frequently with soap and running water or use hand sanitizers,” he advised.
He also encouraged organisers of public events and mass gatherings to provide adequate handwashing stations and sanitizers for participants.
“During mass gatherings, please also practice good hand hygiene and event organizers should provide hand washing stations and hand sanitizers,” he added.
Mr. Akandoh emphasised that public cooperation, vigilance, and adherence to health directives remain essential in preventing any potential outbreak while urging citizens to stay calm and avoid panic.
The government’s assurance comes amid heightened international concern following warnings by the World Health Organization over the possible regional spread of the disease in affected African countries.
