Ghana has strengthened its disease surveillance and emergency response measures following reports of Ebola cases in Nigeria and Kenya, amid an ongoing outbreak linked to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The Ghanaian Ministry of Health said the measures were aimed at preventing the importation of the virus, ensuring early detection and improving the isolation and management of suspected cases.
In a statement signed by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the ministry disclosed that Kenya reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus on October 6, 2026. By October 17, six additional cases linked to the initial infection had been reported, including among healthcare workers.
Nigerian authorities subsequently reported a confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease across the region.
Although Ghana has not reported any Ebola cases, the ministry said frequent travel between Ghana and Nigeria, as well as direct flights between Ghana and Kenya, had increased the need for stronger screening and surveillance.
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Measures being implemented include enhanced monitoring at airports and other points of entry, simulation exercises to assess emergency readiness, improved laboratory procedures and sensitisation of healthcare workers.
Authorities are also monitoring travellers arriving from high-risk areas in accordance with public health protocols and strengthening public education on Ebola prevention.
The ministry urged anyone who develops symptoms after travelling to an affected area or having contact with a suspected or confirmed case to seek prompt medical attention and disclose their travel history to healthcare workers.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of infected people or contaminated materials. It is not transmitted through the air.
The development highlights the importance of regional cooperation, early detection and effective public health surveillance in preventing cross-border disease transmission.
Ghana’s health authorities have urged the public to remain calm, follow official health updates and avoid spreading unverified information about the outbreak.
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