Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has reassured the public that Ghana remains free of Ebola, and no infections have been reported across West Africa, even as authorities step up preventive efforts following the World Health Organisation’s classification of the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Speaking to the nation in Accra on Thursday, May 21, the Minister called for calm while emphasizing the importance of staying alert and strictly observing safety measures to avoid any potential outbreak in the country.
He noted that the Ministry of Health has issued updates on Ebola in the past week and referenced the WHO’s recent declaration, highlighting the seriousness of the situation globally.
Mr. Akandoh described Ebola as a severe viral illness that spreads through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, secretions, or contaminated objects, making early awareness and prevention critical.
He advised that anyone who develops symptoms such as sudden fever, headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unusual bleeding should promptly seek care at the nearest health facility.
Despite heightened international concern, the Minister maintained that Ghana is currently not affected, stressing that preventive action remains the best approach.
The Ministry has already encouraged the public to adopt proper hygiene practices, especially during large gatherings and public events, to minimize any risk of transmission.
As part of ongoing prevention efforts, citizens have been urged to wash their hands regularly with soap under running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Event organisers have also been instructed to ensure the availability of handwashing stations and sanitizers at public functions to promote hygiene.
Mr. Akandoh further assured Ghanaians that the government is closely monitoring developments and strengthening preparedness across the country, noting that the current risk level remains low.
Meanwhile, the WHO’s emergency declaration follows a surge of suspected Ebola cases and fatalities in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Although the outbreak is presently limited to Central and East Africa, countries worldwide have increased surveillance due to concerns about possible cross-border spread.
In Ghana, health authorities say screening, surveillance, and response systems have been reinforced at health facilities and entry points to protect the population.
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