Ghana is tightening surveillance at its international entry points as health authorities move to prevent the spread of the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak reported in some African countries.
Under the new measures, all passengers arriving at Ghana’s international airports will be screened by Port Health officers, while travellers arriving from countries with ongoing Ebola transmission will be monitored for up to 21 days.
The Ministry of Health announced the measures in a statement issued on November 3, 2026, stressing that Ghana has not recorded any confirmed case of the disease.
“The measures aim to minimise the risk of Ebola being brought into Ghana and spreading through international travel,” the Ministry stated.
As part of the screening process, passengers will undergo non-contact temperature checks, have their Health Declaration Forms reviewed and provide information about their travel history and possible exposure to the virus.
“Every passenger will be screened by Port Health officers. Screening includes non-contact temperature checks, a review of the Health Declaration Form, travel history and further questions on symptoms and exposure where needed,” the statement said.
Travellers are required to complete the Health Declaration Form before travelling and indicate whether they have visited or transited through an Ebola-affected country within the preceding 21 days.
They must also disclose any close contact with suspected or confirmed Ebola patients, visits to health facilities managing Ebola cases, participation in funeral or burial rites involving suspected cases, or contact with the blood, body fluids or contaminated materials of an infected person.
Passengers who report symptoms, recent travel to affected countries or possible exposure will undergo further assessment. Where necessary, they will be temporarily isolated in a designated area and referred to a health facility.
“They will be taken to a designated area, temporarily isolated for evaluation, and referred to a health facility where necessary,” the Ministry explained.
The symptoms authorities have asked travellers to watch for include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding or bruising. People experiencing such symptoms have been advised to postpone travel and seek medical attention immediately.
For travellers arriving from countries with ongoing transmission, the Ghana Health Service will conduct follow-up during the 21-day monitoring period.
“The Ghana Health Service will contact them for follow-up, and they must keep reachable contact details and report any symptoms immediately to the designated contact,” the statement added.
The Ministry has also directed hotels, conference centres and other hospitality providers to report guests arriving from affected countries to the nearest district health directorate. They are expected to maintain records and contact details of such guests during their stay.
Ghana has further urged passengers to cooperate with screening officers, provide accurate information and observe frequent hand hygiene. Those who knowingly provide false information, conceal symptoms or refuse screening may face public health measures under Ghanaian law.
The precautionary measures follow a recent Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention ministerial meeting on Ebola, at which all 55 African Union member states agreed to strengthen preparedness and cross-border surveillance while keeping borders open.
The Ministry said Ghana’s measures would be reviewed as the outbreak situation evolves.
