Ebola Fears: GHS Director-General Reveals What Ghana Is Doing Behind the Scenes

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has activated its preparedness measures for Ebola and conducted simulation exercises to test the country’s readiness to respond to a potential outbreak.

The Director-General of the GHS, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, said the Service was closely monitoring developments in affected countries and working with relevant institutions to assess possible risks to Ghana.

He explained that surveillance and emergency planning had been intensified following reports of Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, alongside concerns about the potential spread of the disease across borders.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on October 26, 2026, Dr Kaba Akoriyea said Ghana remained in the preparedness phase and was testing its emergency response systems through simulation exercises.

He noted that the movement of people between countries and indirect airline connections underscored the importance of continuous monitoring and information-sharing with health authorities in affected regions.

The Director-General said the GHS was using its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at Pantang to monitor international health developments and coordinate preparedness activities.

The centre operates around the clock to track emerging public health threats and support timely responses to developments that could affect Ghana.

He disclosed that the Service had conducted approximately three simulation exercises since concerns about the disease spread to other parts of the region.

He added that preparedness activities had begun earlier when the outbreak in the DRC was reported.

The exercises are designed to assess the readiness of health authorities and other relevant institutions to manage a potential public health emergency.

They test key response procedures, including the identification and management of suspected cases, coordination among agencies, communication systems and the mobilisation of resources.

Dr Kaba Akoriyea said Ghana’s preparedness efforts involved approximately 33 institutions drawn from different sectors of the economy, reflecting the need for a coordinated national response in the event of an outbreak.

He identified the Food and Drugs Authority, the National Disaster Management Organisation, the National Commission for Civic Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Veterinary Services Department, the National Peace Council and the Ghana Armed Forces among the institutions participating in the preparations.

Other agencies involved include those responsible for education, security, social welfare and local government.

Their participation is intended to strengthen coordination in emergency management, public communication, logistics, security and the support of affected communities.

The GHS Director-General also highlighted Ghana’s efforts to strengthen cross-border cooperation with neighbouring countries to improve preparedness for infectious diseases and other public health threats.

He cited engagements with health authorities in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as a tripartite meeting involving the countries to exchange information, assess developments and discuss coordinated responses.

According to him, such engagements are essential because the movement of people across national borders can complicate efforts to contain infectious diseases.

Timely information-sharing and cooperation among neighbouring countries are therefore critical to identifying potential threats and coordinating appropriate interventions.

The GHS says its ongoing surveillance, simulation exercises and collaboration with other institutions form part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s capacity to respond effectively should an Ebola outbreak pose a threat to the country.

Source: https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-activates-ebola-preparedness-system-conducts-simulation-exercises-ghs/

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