Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has assured Ghanaians that government is taking all necessary steps to protect the country from Ebola following the World Health Organisation’s declaration of the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Addressing the nation in Accra on Thursday, May 21, the Minister stressed that no Ebola case has been recorded in Ghana or anywhere in West Africa, despite the growing outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa.
“Dear countrymen and women, the Ministry of Health over the past one week has issued two publications on Ebola. Last week, WHO declared Ebola as a public health emergency of international concern,” he said.
He explained that Ebola is a highly dangerous viral disease spread through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, secretions and contaminated materials.
“People experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding should immediately report to the nearest health facility,” he urged.
The Minister, however, reassured the public that Ghana’s current risk level remains low.
“It is important to note that no cases have been recorded in West Africa, including our dear country, Ghana,” he stated.
His address follows heightened global concern after the WHO raised alarm over the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, warning of the potential for regional spread.
The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service have since intensified surveillance, screening and preparedness measures at various points across the country in collaboration with international health partners.
Mr. Akandoh also called on the public to strictly observe preventive measures to reduce any possible risk of infection.
“One, practice good hand hygiene. What this means is that we should wash our hands frequently with soap and running water or use hand sanitizers,” he advised.
He further appealed to organisers of public events and mass gatherings to provide handwashing stations and sanitisers.
“During mass gatherings, please also practice good hand hygiene and event organizers should provide hand washing stations and hand sanitizers,” he added.
The Minister emphasised that public cooperation remains critical to keeping the country safe, urging citizens to remain vigilant without panicking.
“Dear countrymen and women, it is important to stress that presently the risk is low in Ghana. I would like to use this opportunity to assure everybody that the government is taking all the necessary measures to protect us all,” he said.
