Ghana has recorded 1,038 confirmed cases of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, with eight deaths as of March 3, 2026, according to the country’s Ministry of Health. The figures were disclosed in Parliament by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh as authorities continue efforts to contain the spread of the viral disease across the country.
The outbreak, which began in May 2025, has now spread widely across the country, affecting 124 districts in all regions and representing nearly half of Ghana’s administrative districts. Health officials report that the most affected areas are the Greater Accra Region and the Western Region, where higher population density and mobility have contributed to increased transmission.
Mpox is a viral infection that spreads mainly through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, or lesions on the skin. Symptoms often begin with fever, headaches, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash or skin lesions that can appear on the face, hands, feet or other parts of the body. The disease usually lasts between two and four weeks, although severe cases can occur among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems.
According to the Health Minister, most of the deaths recorded in Ghana have involved patients with underlying health conditions, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment. Despite the number of confirmed infections, authorities say the situation is being managed effectively. At the latest update, only one patient remained hospitalised and there were no critical cases reported nationwide.
The Ghanaian government has activated a coordinated national response to control the outbreak through collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service and several international health partners. Public health teams have intensified surveillance, contact tracing and case management to prevent further transmission. Individuals who have had contact with confirmed patients are monitored for up to 21 days, which corresponds with the incubation period of the virus.
Health authorities say thousands of contacts have already been traced and monitored as part of the national response strategy. Rapid response teams operating at the national, regional and district levels are also supporting the containment effort by investigating suspected cases and ensuring timely medical intervention where necessary. These measures are aimed at interrupting chains of transmission and preventing the disease from spreading further within communities.
Vaccination has also become an important component of Ghana’s response to the outbreak. The country has received 33,600 doses of Mpox vaccines through international support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. The vaccines have been deployed in targeted districts considered to be high risk, particularly in the Ashanti, Greater Accra and Western regions. More than 31,000 people have already been vaccinated, representing over 95 percent coverage of the targeted population in those areas.
In addition to vaccination and surveillance, the government has introduced measures to reduce the financial burden on patients. According to the Health Minister, the government is covering medical expenses for individuals diagnosed with Mpox in public health facilities. This approach is intended to encourage early reporting of symptoms and ensure that patients seek treatment without worrying about treatment costs.
Public health campaigns have also been launched to increase awareness about the disease and educate citizens about prevention strategies. Health officials are urging the public to maintain good personal hygiene, avoid close contact with individuals who show symptoms of the disease and report suspected cases to health authorities promptly. Community education programmes are being conducted through radio, television and local outreach initiatives to ensure accurate information reaches both urban and rural populations.
Although the outbreak has spread across many districts, health authorities say the relatively low number of hospitalised patients suggests that most infections are mild and manageable when detected early. Officials are therefore focusing on surveillance and early detection to ensure that cases are identified quickly and isolated when necessary.
The Mpox situation in Ghana also forms part of a wider global health concern. The disease has been reported in multiple countries in recent years as part of a broader international outbreak linked to new viral variants and increased cross border movement. Global health agencies continue to monitor the situation and provide technical support to countries experiencing outbreaks.
Government officials in Ghana have emphasised that while the number of confirmed cases has crossed the one thousand mark, the current response measures are helping to keep the situation under control. Authorities say continued vigilance, public cooperation and sustained investment in health security will be crucial in preventing further spread of the virus.
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