Kwabena Mintah Akandoh enhances airport screening to prevent Ebola

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced the implementation of stringent surveillance measures at Ghana’s entry points to prevent the introduction of the Ebola virus. This proactive response follows confirmed reports of Ebola cases in Kenya and Nigeria, alongside an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although Ghana has recorded no cases of the virus to date, the Ministry of Health is prioritizing early detection and management to safeguard public health amid increased passenger volumes from affected regions.

The core of the new strategy involves intensified screening at the Kotoka International Airport and other major border crossings. Travelers arriving from high-risk areas will now be subject to mandatory monitoring for 21 days to ensure they do not develop symptoms after entry. Furthermore, the Ministry is conducting simulation exercises across various healthcare facilities to test and improve the readiness of medical staff. These drills are designed to refine laboratory protocols and ensure that response teams can effectively handle potential infections should they occur.

Beyond border security, the Ministry has launched a comprehensive public education campaign. Health officials are actively engaging travelers and the general public at points of entry, providing clear information on the signs and symptoms of Ebola and the importance of rigorous hand hygiene. Public Relations Officer Tony Goodman emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader commitment to health security, urging citizens to remain calm and rely only on verified information from official sources to prevent the spread of misinformation.

This intensified surveillance aligns with regional health security agreements among ECOWAS member states, which aim to balance public safety with the facilitation of cross-border trade. The Ministry of Health continues to engage with various stakeholders to ensure a coordinated national response. As global health concerns persist, the government maintains that these preventive measures are essential for maintaining Ghana’s status as an Ebola-free nation while ensuring the country remains prepared for any eventuality.