The Ministry of Health has intensified surveillance and preparedness measures across the country following reported Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Nigeria.
In a press release, the Ministry said Ghana has not recorded any Ebola case but is strengthening national response mechanisms to prevent the importation of the disease and ensure early detection, prompt isolation and effective management of any suspected case.
According to the Ministry, Kenyan authorities on October 6, 2026, reported an imported Ebola case caused by the Bundibugyo virus from the DRC. As of October 17, six additional cases linked to the initial infection had been confirmed, including among healthcare workers.
The Ministry further disclosed that Nigerian authorities reported a confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, raising concerns because of frequent travel links between Ghana and Nigeria.
It noted that the situation in Kenya presents a significant risk to Ghana due to direct flights and higher passenger traffic between the two countries, while the confirmed case in Nigeria further heightens the risk of cross-border transmission.
To mitigate the threat, the Ministry, through the Ghana Health Service and other partners, has implemented a number of measures aimed at strengthening the country’s preparedness and response capacity.
These include enhanced engagement with key stakeholders such as the Ghana Airports Company Limited and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, intensified screening and surveillance at points of entry, and simulation exercises at the Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre.
The Ministry has also strengthened laboratory preparedness by updating standard operating procedures, intensified sensitisation programmes for healthcare workers, and stepped up public education and risk communication activities at the country’s airports.
In addition, health authorities have instituted follow-up monitoring for travellers arriving from high-risk areas in line with public health protocols.
The Ministry reminded the public that Ebola symptoms typically appear between two and 21 days after exposure, with common signs including high fever, severe headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat, chills, unexplained bleeding and confusion.
It emphasised that the disease spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials and is not airborne.
The Ministry advised individuals who develop symptoms after travelling to affected areas or coming into contact with a suspected or confirmed case to seek immediate medical attention and disclose their travel history to health professionals.
The public has also been urged to practise good hand hygiene, avoid contact with persons exhibiting symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, and refrain from spreading unverified information.
The Ministry of Health reassured Ghanaians that it is working closely with relevant agencies and partners to protect public health and maintain a high level of readiness against the disease.
It encouraged citizens to remain calm, rely on official sources of information and cooperate with health authorities as efforts continue to strengthen the country’s Ebola preparedness and response systems.