The Ghanaian government has intensified health screening at airports nationwide following reports of Ebola cases in Kenya and Nigeria, as authorities move to prevent the virus from spreading into the country.
Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Akandoh, disclosed the measures in a statement on Wednesday, explaining that the government was strengthening surveillance to ensure suspected infections were detected early and managed effectively.
Kenya reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus on October 6, 2026. The patient was linked to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
On October 17, Kenyan authorities confirmed four additional infections, including three healthcare workers who had attended to the initial patient, bringing the country’s total number of confirmed cases to seven.
Nigeria subsequently confirmed an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory, raising concerns about the possibility of further spread within the region.
Although Ghana has not recorded any cases, Akandoh said the government had intensified precautionary measures at its points of entry.
The statement said the measures included “enhanced surveillance at points of entry, including strengthened airport screening measures” to reduce the risk of the virus entering the country.
“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 statement reads.
It added, “In addition, the confirmed case in Nigeria has compounded this risk because of frequent travel between the two countries. This has necessitated strengthening existing surveillance and screening measures, especially at the airport.”
The Ministry of Health said it was working with the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant organisations to improve coordination and preparedness.
It also disclosed that simulation exercises had been conducted at the Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to evaluate the country’s readiness to handle suspected Ebola cases.
Other steps include monitoring travellers arriving from high-risk locations throughout their stay in Ghana, reviewing laboratory standard operating procedures and training healthcare workers to recognise and manage suspected infections.
The ministry said public awareness campaigns had also been launched at airports to educate travellers on preventing Ebola transmission and the appropriate steps to take if symptoms appeared.
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According to the statement, Ebola symptoms usually develop between two and 21 days after exposure, with an average incubation period of eight to 10 days.
Early symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, extreme tiredness, sore throat and chills. Some patients may later experience unexplained bleeding and confusion.
The ministry stressed that Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials.
“Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, or with contaminated materials. It is not airborne,” the statement added.
It advised anyone who develops symptoms after visiting an affected area or coming into contact with a suspected or confirmed case to seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare workers about their travel history.
The ministry further stated that travellers arriving from affected areas would undergo health monitoring for 21 days.
It urged residents to remain calm, maintain proper hand hygiene and avoid contact with people experiencing unexplained fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding.
The government also cautioned the public against circulating unverified information about the outbreak.