Ghana’s Ministry of Health has announced enhanced health screening and a 21-day surveillance programme for passengers entering Ghana from countries affected by Ebola, following an outbreak of the disease in parts of Africa.
The intervention, to be enforced by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) across all international airports, seeks to prevent the virus from entering the country and triggering local transmission.
In a statement released on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said the initiative was prompted by an outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
The ministry emphasised that Ghana had not identified any confirmed infections, describing the new protocols as preventive arrangements subject to periodic review depending on developments.
Under the directive, Port Health personnel will examine incoming passengers through infrared temperature checks, health declaration forms and interviews covering recent journeys, symptoms and potential exposure to infected individuals.
Travellers will be required to disclose visits or stopovers in affected nations within the preceding three weeks.
Information regarding contact with infected persons, attendance at treatment centres, involvement in burial ceremonies and exposure to contaminated bodily fluids must also be provided.
Individuals considered at risk will receive additional medical evaluations. Where necessary, they will be separated temporarily in designated facilities before being transferred to appropriate healthcare institutions.
Meanwhile, passengers originating from countries experiencing active transmission will be placed under observation for a maximum of 21 days.
Health officials will conduct regular follow-ups, while affected individuals must remain accessible and promptly notify authorities if symptoms develop.
The ministry has further instructed hotels, conference centres and other hospitality establishments to notify their respective district health directorates whenever visitors from affected territories arrive.
Such businesses must also preserve relevant guest information and contact records.
Passengers have been urged to provide accurate details, comply with health assessments and maintain proper hand hygiene.
The ministry cautioned that individuals who deliberately conceal symptoms, submit misleading declarations or obstruct mandatory examinations could face enforcement action under Ghana’s public health legislation.
The precautionary arrangements follow a significant Ebola outbreak on the continent.
Figures published by the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that, by October 31, 2026, affected countries had registered 10,498 confirmed infections and 5,107 fatalities.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) represented the largest proportion, recording 10,467 cases and 5,103 deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned of sustained transmission in the DRC, alongside imported infections identified in Kenya and Nigeria.
The Ministry of Health has encouraged residents to obtain updates exclusively from authorised government channels, particularly the GHS and the ministry, while refraining from circulating unverified reports.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong