The Ministry of Health has assured the public that Ghana remains free of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) despite recent outbreaks recorded in parts of East and Central Africa, while announcing heightened surveillance and emergency preparedness measures across the country.
In a public alert issued by the Ministry, health authorities said recent confirmed and suspected Ebola cases had been reported in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, based on updates from the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
However, the Ministry stressed that no suspected or confirmed Ebola case has been identified in Ghana.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public that recent cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) have been reported in some African countries,” the statement said, adding that “Ghana has not recorded any suspected or confirmed case.”
The alert comes amid growing regional concern over the highly infectious disease, which has historically posed serious public health threats across several African countries. Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated surfaces and materials.
According to the Ministry, government is already working closely with international health partners to strengthen the country’s response systems and prevent any possible importation of the virus.
“The Ministry of Health is working in collaboration with international health partners, have activated precautionary measures nationwide to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response systems,” the statement noted.
As part of the preventive response, authorities have intensified screening and surveillance activities at airports, seaports, and land borders. Health officials are also increasing monitoring of travellers arriving from affected countries while training healthcare workers nationwide to identify, isolate, and manage suspected cases safely.
The Ministry further disclosed that public health emergency coordination systems and rapid response teams have been activated, alongside intensified public education and community awareness campaigns.
Health experts warn that Ebola symptoms may include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, bleeding. The disease is known for its high fatality rate if not detected and managed early.
To reduce the risk of infection, the Ministry urged Ghanaians to maintain strict hygiene and avoid behaviours that could expose them to the virus.
Among the preventive measures outlined were regular handwashing with soap under running water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers, avoiding direct contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, and refraining from handling dead bodies without proper protection.
The Ministry also cautioned against handling or consuming sick or dead wild animals and advised the public to ensure that meat is properly cooked before consumption.
“Report suspected symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility,” the statement urged.
