The Ministry of Health has placed Ghana on heightened alert, activating national emergency health protocols as part of urgent measures to prevent a possible Ebola outbreak following global concern over a new strain.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced the move after an intensive inspection tour of key health surveillance and response facilities on Friday, May 29, aimed at testing the country’s preparedness across major entry points and treatment centres.
The tour included visits to the Accra International Airport, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre (GIDC), where officials assessed screening systems, laboratory capacity, and emergency response readiness.
At the airport, the minister reviewed passenger screening procedures and isolation holding areas, noting that while current systems are operational, Ghana must strengthen its use of advanced digital screening tools to improve early detection and reduce human error at points of entry.
Mr Akandoh stressed that Ghana’s preparedness efforts must be supported by strict public compliance with health and safety directives. He called for renewed adherence to hygiene protocols and cautioned against complacency.
He also directed public institutions, local authorities, and event organisers to enforce hygiene measures nationwide, while reiterating the need for vigilance at borders and public spaces.
“It’s very important for all of us to cooperate… we are taking activities at the land borders seriously; if there’s any case, we’re ready. There’s no cause for panic,” he said, adding that mass gatherings should be restricted in line with newly issued safety guidance.
The inspection also focused on laboratory readiness at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, where Director Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu assured officials that the facility is equipped with biosafety systems capable of handling rapid and accurate testing of suspected Ebola cases.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative to Ghana, Dr. Fiona Braka, who accompanied the minister, noted the complexity of the current global situation but praised Ghana’s proactive approach in strengthening its preparedness and response systems.
Authorities say the enhanced surveillance and emergency activation form part of a broader national strategy to ensure early detection, rapid containment, and prevention of cross-border transmission.
