SABC apologises for falsely reporting Ebola cases in Ghana

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has apologised after erroneously reporting that Ghana had recorded cases of Ebola, a claim swiftly refuted by Ghana’s Ministry of Health.

SABC reported that Ghana has recorded 2,300 Ebola cases and 930 deaths. 

The broadcaster acknowledged that incorrect Ebola-related statistics were attributed to Ghana during a news broadcast on Monday, July 20 night through a scrolling ticker displayed at the bottom of television screens.

In a correction issued afterwards, SABC News admitted the error and expressed regret for any concern caused by the misinformation.

“SABC News says it regrets the error and apologises for any distress or inconvenience caused,” the broadcaster said.

The apology follows a statement from Ghana’s Ministry of Health dismissing the report and assuring the public that no case of Ebola has been detected in the country.

The ministry moved quickly to reassure both Ghanaians and the international community, stressing that the information circulated by the South African broadcaster was inaccurate.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 21, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, urged the public to disregard the false report and rely on official government channels and credible public health institutions for updates on disease outbreaks.

The Ministry of Health further stated that Ghana’s disease surveillance and response systems remain fully operational and continue to monitor potential public health threats in accordance with international health regulations.

The ministry reiterated that Ghana remains vigilant against infectious disease outbreaks and is maintaining routine surveillance measures to safeguard public health.

Health Ministry dismisses false Ebola outbreak claims in Ghana