Kingsley Agyemang calls for urgent assessment of Ebola isolation centres

Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, has called on the Ministry of Health to urgently assess Ghana's readiness to handle a potential Ebola outbreak. This demand follows the confirmation of an Ebola case in Nigeria, which health experts have linked to a strain previously identified in Kenya. Agyemang's appeal emphasizes the need for immediate action to ensure the country's public health infrastructure is robust enough to manage cross-border disease threats and prevent a domestic crisis.

The Member of Parliament highlighted the critical importance of evaluating isolation and treatment facilities across the nation to ensure they are fully operational. He urged the government to activate rapid response teams and enhance disease surveillance at all levels of the health system. Beyond infrastructure, Agyemang stressed that healthcare workers must receive practical training and be provided with sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) to safely manage any suspected cases. While he acknowledged the Ministry's current efforts at Kotoka International Airport as commendable, he insisted that these measures require further expansion.

Agyemang also raised concerns regarding the financial and operational transparency of Ghana's health emergency response. He called for a clear account of health emergency funds and a review of the improvements implemented since March 2026. While Ghana has not recorded any domestic cases of the virus during this latest alert, the MP warned against complacency, noting that the regional connectivity of West Africa makes the threat to the country's borders significant and immediate.

The call serves as a reminder of the lessons learned from previous regional health crises, where early intervention and preparedness proved vital for containment. By demanding a comprehensive assessment of readiness now, Agyemang seeks to ensure that Ghana's health system is not caught off-guard. The Ministry of Health is now under pressure to demonstrate that the nation's response protocols are functional and that all designated facilities are truly prepared for a potential emergency.