Ghana’s Ministry of Health has confirmed that there are currently no recorded Ebola cases in Ghana or any part of West Africa, explaining that the latest outbreak is confined to regions in Central and East Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The Ministry, however, has called on the public to stay alert and strictly follow safety measures after the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a global health warning over the outbreak.
The alert followed the WHO’s declaration of the Ebola situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), due to fears of the disease spreading across borders and the dangerous nature of the virus.
In a statement signed by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh on Monday, May 19, Ebola was described as a serious and often deadly disease that spreads through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, secretions, organs, or contaminated materials.
Although Ghana has not recorded any infections, the Ministry advised citizens to remain calm while taking necessary precautions, especially during public gatherings and social events.
People were encouraged to carry hand sanitisers and practise proper hand hygiene regularly. Organisers of events were also instructed to provide adequate handwashing facilities and sanitisers at venues.
The advisory further recommended frequent washing of hands with soap under running water or the use of alcohol-based sanitisers. Homes, schools, markets, workplaces, public spaces, and entry points across the country have all been urged to maintain proper hygiene facilities.
The Ministry stressed that while no Ebola cases have been reported in Ghana or the West African sub-region, the public should continue observing universal safety protocols. It urged individuals attending public activities to maintain good hygiene practices at all times.
Authorities also warned against the spread of false information and rumours, encouraging the public to rely only on updates from official health and government sources.
According to the Ministry, anyone showing symptoms such as sudden fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding should quickly seek medical attention at the nearest health facility.
The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service also revealed that surveillance, screening, preparedness, and emergency response systems have been strengthened in partnership with local and international organisations to protect public health.
Officials noted that cooperation from the public remains essential in preventing any possible spread of the disease into the country.
Meanwhile, the WHO, on Monday, May 18, announced that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo had become a public health emergency of international concern.
The outbreak, centred in the eastern Ituri Province of the DR Congo, has reportedly led to about 246 suspected infections and 80 deaths. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the WHO said it does not yet qualify as a pandemic emergency.
However, the organisation cautioned that the outbreak could become far larger than current reports suggest, with a high risk of spreading within the region and across neighbouring countries.
Health officials said the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.
In response to the growing threat, the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on May 18 introduced a temporary emergency measure aimed at reducing the risk of Ebola entering the country from affected areas in Central and East Africa.
The measure temporarily restricts entry for certain non-U.S. travellers from affected regions, while still allowing American citizens, permanent residents, and essential personnel to enter the country.
