Ghana has raised its Ebola preparedness following concerns that direct flights from Kenya and high passenger volumes could increase the risk of importing the virus.
Through a statement on Wednesday, October 21, the Ghana Ministry of Health warned that frequent air travel between Ghana and Kenya makes surveillance more urgent as Ebola cases continue to emerge in the region.
It warned that since Kenya reported an imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on October 6, 2026, it is raising concerns among regional health authorities, especially for Ghana.
“The situation in Kenya poses a significant risk to Ghana due to direct flights between the two countries and higher passenger volumes than in the DRC,” the Ministry stated in part.
An image showing individuals getting screened at a checkpoint in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Photo
EAC
By October 20, Kenyan authorities had reported nine cases linked to the initial infection, including healthcare workers, prompting Ghana to strengthen airport screening.
Ghana has also heightened its alert following Nigeria's confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, following its national who had been living in DRC and travelled to Nigeria from Uganda, both countries being high-risk areas.
The Ghanaian Ministry of Health said frequent travel between the two West African countries had compounded the risk, requiring stronger surveillance to detect possible infections early.
Although Ghana has not reported any Ebola cases, the Ministry stated the government is working with the Ghana Health Service, airport authorities and other partners to improve preparedness.
Measures include enhanced screening at entry points, simulation exercises at Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Center (GIDC), and monitoring travellers arriving from affected areas.
Health officials are also updating laboratory procedures, sensitising healthcare workers and providing airport education to help travellers understand Ebola symptoms and what to do if they become ill.
Meanwhile, Tanzania also introduced mandatory health monitoring for travellers for the next 21 days, tightening border checks following an outbreak in the DRC and rising cases in Kenya.
Countries such as El Salvador have also raised alarms about the Kenya Ebola situation, imposing visa restrictions, while the U.S. raised alert levels to Level 3.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected or deceased person, not through the air. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, unusual tiredness, muscle pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea should seek immediate medical attention or call the MoH toll-free line 719 for guidance.
A panoramic view of a representation of the Ebola Virus.
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NFID