The Western Regional Health Directorate has triggered its public health emergency response system following a sharp rise in Monkeypox cases, with the region now accounting for 71% of all confirmed cases nationwide.
The announcement was made at the Western Regional Development Retreat held in Essipong, Sekondi-Takoradi, on Saturday, June 21, where health officials disclosed alarming statistics. Chief Pharmacist of the Regional Health Directorate, Kwadwo Okyere Apenteng, speaking on behalf of the Regional Health Director, revealed that the Western Region recorded its first Monkeypox case on May 23 in Tarkwa.
“Monkeypox is also in the country, and currently, the Western Region is number one; we have taken over. 71% of the cases in the country are coming from the Western Region. As it stands, we have 187 suspected cases and 43 confirmed cases,” he said.
He added that the Directorate is intensifying surveillance and public education as part of a broader emergency response strategy to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
The outbreak has sparked renewed concerns over the region’s health infrastructure. Addressing the same event, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson stressed the urgent need to strengthen healthcare systems and complete stalled health projects—particularly the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital.
“Our regional hospital in Effia Nkwanta is undergoing some revamping, but as we speak, the work is stalled. I pray that, very soon, work will resume so that we can complete it for the very purpose for which that project was started,” he noted.
The Regional Minister also called on the Western Regional House of Chiefs to support advocacy efforts to upgrade key health facilities and bolster the region’s preparedness for future health emergencies.