Kwabena Mintah Akandoh confirms Ghana is ready to manage Ebola threat

Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has confirmed that Ghana is fully equipped to detect and manage potential Ebola cases following a comprehensive inspection of the Accra International Airport. Speaking after the tour, the Minister assured the public that while no instances of the virus have been recorded in the country, all necessary surveillance systems have been activated. The visit was intended to verify the efficacy of screening protocols and ensure that front-line health workers are prepared for any eventuality.

The Ministry of Health has implemented several layered defensive measures at the nation's primary aviation hub, including the installation of high-precision thermal scanners and the use of health declaration forms for all arriving passengers. Akandoh noted that the government is currently working to transition these declaration forms into an electronic format to streamline data collection and improve the efficiency of traveler monitoring. Given the absence of specific vaccines or treatments for Ebola, the national response strategy focuses on early identification, immediate isolation, and robust contact tracing to contain any potential outbreak at its source.

In addition to airport measures, the government is expanding its screening capacity at various land borders to prevent the cross-border transmission of infectious diseases. Laboratory facilities across the country have also been upgraded to enhance their testing capabilities, ensuring that any suspected cases can be confirmed rapidly. The Minister emphasized that these upgrades are part of a broader commitment to national health security and infectious disease management.

To support these initiatives, the government has pledged to provide the health sector with all necessary financial and material resources. Minister Akandoh stated that there is no fixed funding ceiling for Ebola preparedness, allowing for a flexible and rapid response to emerging needs. The Ministry continues to maintain close coordination with international health organizations to ensure that Ghana’s screening and management protocols remain in line with global best practices.