John Amuasi urges passenger data verification to track Ebola cases

Professor John Amuasi, the Global Health Lead at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), has cautioned that current airport screening measures, such as temperature checks, are insufficient for detecting Ebola. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, he argued that while these visible measures provide a sense of public reassurance, they often offer false confidence. He emphasized that individuals who are visibly ill are unlikely to board international flights, and the primary risk comes from travelers who may be in the incubation period or asymptomatic upon arrival.

To address this vulnerability, Prof. Amuasi is advocating for the mandatory verification of travelers' phone numbers and the maintenance of rigorous passenger records. He stated that the single most important element of Ebola preparedness is the ability to track and follow up with arrivals after they have entered the country. Rather than attempting universal PCR testing, which he described as impractical for every passenger, the focus should shift toward ensuring health authorities can reach travelers to monitor for emerging symptoms or provide guidance on where to seek care.

The call for enhanced data collection comes amid reports of recent Ebola cases in neighboring Nigeria and Kenya, which have heightened the regional risk profile. Prof. Amuasi noted that while Ghana was fortunate to record no cases during the 2014–15 West African outbreak, the country remained at a high risk. He stressed that a robust follow-up system, supported by accurate contact information and periodic check-ins, is a more effective strategy than relying on static entry-point screenings.

In addition to data verification, Prof. Amuasi underscored the necessity of educating incoming travelers on specific reporting protocols and identifying designated health facilities for infectious diseases. He suggested that as the global and regional risk landscape evolves, Ghana's response must remain dynamic. By prioritizing reliable communication channels with travelers over purely symbolic screening acts, the country can better manage potential imported cases and prevent local transmission.