Ghana has intensified surveillance at airports and other points of entry following reports of Ebola cases in Kenya and Nigeria, as health authorities strengthen measures to prevent the disease from entering the country.
The Ministry of Health says Ghana has not recorded any Ebola case but is working with the Ghana Health Service, relevant agencies and partners to strengthen preparedness, facilitate early detection and ensure the effective management of any suspected infection.
In an update on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the Ministry identified direct flights between Ghana and Kenya, alongside increased passenger traffic, as factors heightening the risk of importing the disease. Frequent travel between Ghana and Nigeria has also increased the need for vigilance.
Kenya reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus on October 6. By October 17, additional cases had been reported, including infections among healthcare workers linked to the initial case. Nigerian authorities subsequently confirmed an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, raising further concerns about the spread of the disease across the region.
Ghana Intensifies Airport Screening and Surveillance
Through the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry is strengthening screening and surveillance measures, particularly at Kotoka International Airport.
The measures involve coordination with the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and other stakeholders to improve preparedness and response arrangements.
Simulation exercises have also been conducted at Kotoka International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to assess the country’s readiness to manage suspected cases.
Travellers arriving from high-risk areas will be monitored during their stay in Ghana in accordance with public health protocols.
The Ministry is also reviewing laboratory procedures and standard operating procedures while sensitising healthcare workers to improve the identification and management of suspected Ebola cases.
Public education and risk communication activities at the airport are expected to inform travellers about prevention measures and the steps to take if symptoms develop.
Public Urged to Recognise Ebola Symptoms
The Ministry says symptoms of Ebola virus disease typically develop between two and 21 days after exposure, with an average incubation period of eight to 10 days.
Early symptoms may include fever, severe headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat and chills. Some patients may later experience unexplained bleeding and confusion.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, or through contact with contaminated materials. It is not transmitted through the air like typical airborne infections.
The Ministry is urging anyone who develops symptoms after travelling to an affected area or coming into contact with a suspected or confirmed case to seek immediate medical attention and disclose their travel history to healthcare workers.
Travellers from affected areas may be monitored for 21 days. The public is also encouraged to practise good hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having the disease.
The Ministry has cautioned against spreading misinformation and urged the public to rely on official updates from health authorities.
Ministry Assures Public of Preparedness
The Ministry says it is working with relevant agencies and partners to strengthen Ghana’s preparedness and response capacity and protect public health.
It has urged Ghanaians to remain calm, follow official communication channels and cooperate with public health authorities as surveillance and preparedness activities continue.
Although Ghana has not reported an Ebola case, health authorities emphasise that vigilance, early detection, prompt isolation and effective contact tracing remain essential to preventing a potential outbreak.
By:Rachael Djabakie