Ghana is stepping up efforts to strengthen its preparedness against Ebola, with Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh inspecting screening arrangements and emergency response measures at the country’s entry points.
The inspection follows reports of Ebola cases in other African countries, prompting renewed attention to the risk of cross-border transmission and the need for effective surveillance at airports and other points of entry.
During the inspection at Kotoka International Airport, Mr. Akandoh engaged port health officials on measures to improve the early detection of suspected Ebola cases, including the installation of thermal screening equipment and the use of electronic declaration forms.
The minister said he had previously directed officials to strengthen screening and introduce additional measures to improve the country’s preparedness.
“I instructed that thermal must be installed and the electronic declaration forms must also be issued,” he said.
He added that other measures were also required to strengthen Ghana’s ability to respond to a potential outbreak.
Mr. Akandoh stressed the importance of monitoring passenger movements, particularly given travel connections between Ghana and countries where Ebola concerns have emerged.
“I think that we’re all alarmed when we heard the incident from Nigeria,” he said.
“Looking at the traffic flow between Nigeria and Ghana and even the direct flight from Nairobi to Ghana,” he added, explaining why continued vigilance at entry points was necessary.
The minister said authorities needed to maintain close surveillance to protect the population against possible transmission.
“So there is a need for us to constantly monitor the line, the gateway, the entrance point to make sure that at least we do our best to be able to protect the good people of this country,” he said.
As part of the preparedness assessment, Mr. Akandoh also visited the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research to assess laboratory readiness and the availability of materials required for testing suspected cases.
He said the institute had assured officials that the necessary reagents were available and that its laboratory teams were prepared to conduct tests.
“At the time we monitored the line from here, we went to Noguchi and Noguchi assured us that they had all the reagents and they are prepared and ready to test the cases,” he said.
“And they are still ready to test the cases,” he added.
The minister also visited the infectious disease centre, where he said the situation appeared to be progressing well.
Mr. Akandoh emphasised that early detection and rapid contact tracing remain essential components of Ghana’s Ebola response.
“As you all know, we do not have specific vaccine for Ebola yet. And we do not have specific treatment for Ebola,” he said.
“So our defense at the moment is early detection, fast contact tracing.”
