Ghana intensifies airport screening and Ebola surveillance amid reported cases in Nigeria

Ghana is strengthening its disease surveillance, airport screening and emergency response systems following reports of Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Nigeria.

The Ministry of Health said the country had not recorded any Ebola case as of the date of its announcement but was reinforcing existing measures to ensure the early detection, isolation and effective management of any suspected infection.

In a public statement signed by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ministry said the enhanced preparedness measures were being implemented through the Ghana Health Service, relevant government agencies and development partners as authorities continued to monitor developments in the affected countries.

The Ministry noted that reported infections in Kenya and Nigeria had heightened the need for vigilance, particularly at Ghana’s points of entry.

According to the statement, Kenyan authorities announced an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus on October 6, 2026, involving a person who had travelled from the DRC. By October 17, six additional cases linked to the initial infection had been reported, including cases among healthcare workers.

The statement also reported a confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory on October 20, 2026.

The Ministry said direct air connections and frequent passenger movements between Ghana and the affected countries made stronger screening and surveillance measures necessary to reduce the risk of importing the disease.

To this end, it is collaborating with the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant stakeholders to improve coordination and strengthen preparedness at the country’s entry points.

The exercises are also expected to identify gaps and enhance cooperation among institutions responsible for detecting, isolating and managing suspected Ebola infections.

Additionally, the Ministry is working to improve laboratory preparedness, update standard operating procedures and sensitise healthcare workers on how to identify and appropriately manage suspected cases.