Health Minister Orders Enhanced Ebola Preparedness, Calls for Hand-Washing Stations at All Public Gatherings

Edited by: Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah- Paaps – 

The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has directed the strengthening of Ghana’s Ebola preparedness measures following an inspection tour of key national response facilities, including the Accra International Airport (AIA) Port Health Unit, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and the Ga East Infectious Disease Centre.

During the tour, the Minister emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and preventive measures, declaring that all mass gatherings should be equipped with hand-washing facilities as part of efforts to safeguard public health.

The inspection began at the Accra International Airport, where Hon. Akandoh assessed screening procedures for incoming passengers. While expressing satisfaction with existing protocols, he instructed authorities to immediately enhance surveillance systems through the deployment of advanced temperature scanners and improved passenger flow management.

To strengthen frontline response capacity, the Minister presented Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to health personnel and reiterated that all travellers, regardless of status, must comply fully with established screening procedures.

At the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, the Director of the Institute, Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, assured the Minister that the facility remains fully equipped with the expertise, laboratory equipment, and reagents required to respond effectively to any suspected Ebola case. She also highlighted the establishment of a dedicated sample reception centre to facilitate the safe and efficient processing of samples.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Fiona Braka, commended Ghana’s preparedness systems, noting that the country has established strong mechanisms for screening, testing, and response. She stressed the importance of rapid diagnosis, indicating that suspected cases should be confirmed within 24 hours, while urging the public to remain alert and adhere to preventive measures.

The Minister’s final stop was the Ga East Infectious Disease Centre, where he observed that the facility remains adequately prepared to manage any potential outbreak, drawing on valuable experience gained during previous public health emergencies.

Although Ghana has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, Hon. Akandoh cautioned against complacency and urged the public to take preventive measures seriously. He encouraged regular hand hygiene, avoidance of handshakes, and the prompt reporting of symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding.

“There is no cause for panic, but we must all play our part,” the Minister stated, emphasizing that collective responsibility remains Ghana’s strongest defence against any potential Ebola outbreak.

The Ministry of Health continues to work closely with health institutions and international partners to ensure the country remains prepared to detect, contain, and respond swiftly to any public health threat.