The Ministry of Health says Ghana has intensified surveillance, airport screening and emergency preparedness measures following reports of Ebola cases in Kenya and Nigeria amid an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In a post shared on Facebook by Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Tony Goodman, the ministry said Ghana had not recorded any Ebola case but was strengthening its capacity to prevent the virus from entering the country and ensure the early detection, isolation and effective management of suspected infections.
The ministry said the situation in Kenya posed a significant risk to Ghana because of direct flights between the two countries and higher passenger volumes than those from the DRC. The confirmed case in Nigeria has also heightened concerns because of frequent travel between the two countries.
Kenyan authorities reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus on October 6, 2026. By October 17, six additional cases had been reported, all linked to the initial case, including infections among healthcare workers.
On October 20, Nigerian authorities also reported a confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory.
Ghana steps up surveillance and preparedness
The Ministry of Health, working through the Ghana Health Service and other agencies and partners, said it had introduced several measures to strengthen the country’s readiness to respond to a potential outbreak.
These include enhanced surveillance and screening at points of entry, particularly at the airport, and engagements with the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and other stakeholders to improve coordination.
Simulation exercises have also been conducted at Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to assess and improve readiness to respond to suspected cases.
The ministry said travellers arriving from high-risk areas would be monitored throughout their stay in Ghana in line with public health protocols, while laboratory preparedness was being strengthened through updates to standard operating procedures.
Healthcare workers are also being sensitised to improve awareness, preparedness and the appropriate management of suspected Ebola cases.
Public education and risk communication activities at the airport are intended to provide travellers with information on preventing infection and the steps to take if symptoms develop.
Symptoms and public health advice
The ministry said symptoms of Ebola virus disease typically appear between two and 21 days after exposure, with an average incubation period of eight to 10 days.
Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat and chills, with unexplained bleeding and confusion potentially developing later.
It stressed that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials, and is not airborne.
Anyone who develops symptoms after travelling to an affected area or coming into contact with a suspected or confirmed case has been urged to seek prompt medical attention and disclose their travel history to healthcare workers.
Travellers from affected areas will have their health monitored for 21 days. The public has also been advised to practise good hand hygiene and avoid contact with anyone experiencing unexplained fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding.
The ministry cautioned against spreading unverified information and urged the public to rely on official updates from health authorities.
It reassured Ghanaians that the government, through the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service and partner agencies, was implementing measures to protect public health.
The public has been urged to remain calm, stay informed through official communication channels and co-operate with health authorities as Ghana strengthens its preparedness and response to the outbreak.