Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has assured the public that the country is prepared to detect and respond to any potential Ebola case following an inspection of screening and emergency response measures at the Accra International Airport.
Mr Akandoh explained that Ghana had not recorded any Ebola case but had strengthened surveillance, passenger screening and emergency response systems to guard against a possible outbreak. He identified early detection, contact tracing and containment as critical measures, particularly because the current Ebola strain has no specific treatment or vaccine.
“We are ready, and we are praying we don’t record any case, but if we do, we are ready to do the needful,”
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
During the inspection, the Health Minister confirmed that thermal scanners had been installed at the Accra International Airport to screen arriving passengers for symptoms that could indicate an Ebola infection.
The measures form part of Ghana’s efforts to identify potential cases early and prevent the disease from spreading undetected. Mr Akandoh urged the public to remain calm, emphasising that the country had put systems in place to respond if an infection were detected.
He also stressed the importance of strict compliance with airport screening protocols, explaining that every arriving passenger must undergo the required procedures regardless of their status.
The screening measures are intended to help health officials identify travellers who may require further assessment and take appropriate action where necessary.
Electronic Health Declaration Forms Near Completion
Mr Akandoh disclosed that electronic health declaration forms were being finalised to enable passengers travelling to Ghana to submit relevant health information before arrival.
According to the Minister, the proposed system would allow health officials to assess information provided by travellers and identify individuals who might require further investigation.
He explained that the Ministry of Health would soon issue an official statement outlining the implementation of the electronic declaration system. Following the announcement, airlines and airport authorities would be expected to ensure that passengers completed the forms.
The planned system is expected to complement existing screening arrangements by providing health officials with additional information to support the identification and assessment of potential cases.
However, the Minister did not specify when the electronic declaration system would become operational, indicating that further details would be communicated through the Ministry’s official statement.
Isolation Facilities Prepared for Potential Ebola Cases
Beyond passenger screening, Mr Akandoh confirmed that Ghana had designated facilities for the isolation and treatment of patients should an Ebola case be detected.
The availability of these facilities forms part of the country’s emergency response arrangements, allowing health authorities to prepare for the management of a suspected or confirmed infection.
Mr Akandoh highlighted the importance of early detection, contact tracing and effective containment in limiting the potential spread of the disease. He explained that these measures were particularly important given the absence of a specific treatment or vaccine for the current Ebola strain.
The emphasis on early intervention reflects the need for health authorities to identify possible infections promptly, investigate potential exposure and take the necessary containment measures.
Although Ghana had not recorded a case at the time of the inspection, the Minister maintained that the country was preparing to respond if the situation changed.
Ghana Expands Ebola Screening to Land Borders
Mr Akandoh further disclosed that the government was expanding screening capacity at the country’s land borders as part of broader efforts to strengthen its defences against infectious diseases.
The planned expansion would extend preparedness efforts beyond the airport, reinforcing surveillance at other points of entry into Ghana.
He reiterated that strict adherence to screening procedures remained essential, stressing that all arriving passengers must comply with the established requirements.
The government’s measures combine airport screening, the planned introduction of electronic health declarations, designated isolation and treatment facilities, and expanded border screening.
Mr Akandoh maintained that Ghana was ready to take the necessary action should an Ebola case emerge, while expressing hope that the country would remain free of the disease.
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