Ghana Tightens Ebola Prevention Measures at Kotoka Airport

Ghana has intensified measures to prevent the Ebola virus from entering the country following reports of infections in parts of Africa.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced the installation of thermal scanners at Kotoka International Airport as part of efforts to identify suspected cases early and strengthen the country’s preparedness.

The government is also introducing electronic health declaration forms for travellers and expanding laboratory capacity to improve the detection and management of potential infections.

Although Ghana has not confirmed any Ebola case, the minister stressed the need for vigilance and effective preventive measures to minimise the risk of an outbreak.

Speaking during an inspection of screening facilities and emergency response arrangements at Kotoka International Airport, Mr Akandoh said the country was strengthening its border surveillance systems amid concerns about the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.

He explained that the electronic declaration system would help health officials identify travellers who may require additional medical assessment and support contact tracing if a suspected case emerges.

The minister noted that the absence of a licensed vaccine and specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain makes prevention, early detection and prompt containment particularly important.

He urged the public to remain calm, emphasising that Ghana had not recorded any Ebola infection.

Mr Akandoh also disclosed that the government planned to increase the number of laboratories capable of testing for Ebola from three to five. However, he did not identify the additional facilities.

Institutions contributing to the country’s testing and preparedness efforts include the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre and the national reference laboratory.

Beyond screening and laboratory services, the minister highlighted the importance of providing frontline health workers with adequate protective equipment, essential supplies and logistical support.

He said the government had supplied personal protective equipment and provided the resources needed to implement the electronic health declaration system. Funding, he added, would be made available according to operational requirements rather than being limited to a predetermined amount.

The minister further indicated that Ghana was maintaining coordination with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and other relevant partners to strengthen preparedness and response efforts.

The reported spread of Ebola beyond affected areas has heightened concerns about cross-border transmission, making cooperation between countries and effective surveillance at entry points increasingly important.

Health authorities consider early identification, appropriate isolation procedures, infection prevention and contact tracing essential to limiting transmission if a suspected case is detected.

For Ghana, the immediate focus remains on strengthening surveillance systems, equipping health workers and ensuring that emergency response teams can act quickly should a suspected Ebola infection be identified.

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