The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has inspected health screening protocols at Kotoka International Airport and directed the strengthening of Ghana’s Ebola preparedness measures.
The inspection formed part of a broader assessment of the country’s readiness to respond to any potential Ebola outbreak. As part of the exercise, the Minister also visited the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and the Infectious Disease Centre at the Ga East Municipal Hospital.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, the tour commenced at Kotoka International Airport, where the Minister evaluated screening procedures for arriving passengers. While expressing satisfaction with existing protocols, he directed immediate enhancements, including the deployment of advanced temperature scanners and improved passenger flow systems to strengthen surveillance at Ghana’s points of entry.
To support frontline preparedness efforts, Mr. Akandoh presented Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to health workers and emphasized that all travellers, regardless of status, must fully comply with 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 possesses the expertise, reagents, and laboratory equipment needed to effectively manage any suspected Ebola case.
She further disclosed that a dedicated sample reception centre has been established to facilitate the safe and efficient handling of specimens for testing and diagnosis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Fiona Braka, commended Ghana’s preparedness systems, highlighting the country’s capacity in both border screening and laboratory diagnostics.
She stressed the importance of rapid testing, noting that suspected Ebola cases should be confirmed within 24 hours, while urging the public to remain vigilant due to the serious nature of the disease.
At the Infectious Disease Centre of the Ga East Municipal Hospital, the Health Minister expressed confidence in the facility’s readiness to respond to any potential outbreak, citing its experience in managing previous public health emergencies.
Although Ghana has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, Mr. Akandoh cautioned against complacency and urged the public to adhere strictly to preventive measures.
He encouraged regular handwashing, avoiding unnecessary physical contact such as handshakes, and the prompt reporting of symptoms including fever, vomiting, and 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 outbreak.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah