Ghana Health Service Confirms Cholera Outbreak In Ashanti Region

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed an outbreak of cholera in the Ashanti Region, according to an official press statement released by the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate in Kumasi.

The confirmation was made by the Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Emmanuel Tinkorang, during a press briefing held at the Regional Health Directorate on Monday, May 12, 2026. The briefing was covered by Ghana News Agency (GNA) and Joy News.

According to Dr. Tinkorang, a total of 47 suspected cholera cases have been reported in three districts – Kumasi Metropolis, Asokwa Municipality and Oforikrom Municipality – with 12 cases confirmed positive through laboratory tests at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

In an interview with Citi News, Dr. Tinkorang explained that cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. He said symptoms include frequent watery stool, vomiting, dehydration and weakness.

Speaking to Ghana News Agency, he said the first case was reported on May 6, 2026, at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital when a 32-year-old trader from Asafo Market was rushed to the hospital with severe diarrhoea and vomiting. He said samples were taken and sent to the laboratory and tested positive for cholera.

According to a statement from the Ghana Health Service, health officials have activated emergency response teams in all affected districts. The statement signed by the Director General of Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, said surveillance has been intensified across the region to detect and contain new cases.

Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye in a statement reported by Graphic Online said the GHS is collaborating with the Ministry of Health, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and the National Commission for Civic Education to educate the public on cholera prevention.

He said health workers have been deployed to affected communities to provide treatment and educate residents on proper hygiene practices. He advised the public to wash hands with soap under running water before eating and after visiting the toilet.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who visited the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to assess the situation, assured the public that government is taking steps to control the outbreak. According to a report by Peace FM, the Minister said the government has released funds and medical supplies to support the treatment of patients.

He said the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has also begun disinfecting markets, public toilets and drainage systems in affected areas. In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of KMA, Ms. Henrietta Aboagye, the Assembly said it will enforce sanitation bye-laws and punish people who dump refuse indiscriminately.

Some residents in Kumasi have expressed worry about the outbreak. Madam Akosua Frimpong, a trader at Kejetia Market, told Ghana News Agency that she is afraid because cholera can kill quickly if not treated. She said she will ensure her family drinks only treated water and eats hot food.

Mr. Kwabena Osei, a taxi driver at Adum, said in an interview with Joy News that poor sanitation in some parts of Kumasi is the cause of the outbreak. He said gutters are choked with refuse and many people defecate in open drains. He appealed to KMA to ensure regular collection of refuse and cleaning of gutters.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cholera can be prevented through proper sanitation, safe drinking water and good hygiene practices. The WHO recommends washing hands with soap, drinking treated water, eating hot cooked food and avoiding street food prepared under unhygienic conditions.

Dr. Tinkorang urged anyone experiencing symptoms of cholera to report immediately to the nearest health facility. He said treatment is free at all government health facilities and early treatment can prevent death. He said the Ghana Health Service has enough Oral Rehydration Salts and other medicines to treat patients.

He advised food vendors to ensure proper hygiene and obtain health certificates from the Ghana Health Service. He said the Regional Health Directorate will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the public through Ghana News Agency and other credible media outlets.

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