Abuakwa South MP sounds alarm over Ebola, demands proof of Ghana’s readiness

Abuakwa South MP, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, has challenged government to demonstrate Ghana’s readiness to respond to a potential Ebola outbreak, demanding a comprehensive account of public funds allocated to health emergency preparedness.

The legislator’s demand follows reports of an imported Ebola case in Nigeria, a development he says should compel Ghanaian authorities to urgently assess the country's ability to detect, contain and manage a possible outbreak.

In a press statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026, Dr. Agyemang warned against a reactive approach to public health emergencies, insisting that Ghana must address potential weaknesses in its health system before a confirmed case exposes them.

He acknowledged the Ministry of Health’s announcement of intensified surveillance measures, including enhanced monitoring at Kotoka International Airport, but maintained that announcements alone cannot establish whether the country is adequately prepared.

The MP wants the government to show Ghanaians what has actually been done, what resources have been made available and whether emergency response facilities are ready for deployment.

Where Are the Results?
Dr. Agyemang’s latest intervention revives concerns he raised in a statement on March 27, 2026, regarding Ghana’s public health emergency preparedness.

According to him, there has been insufficient publicly demonstrated progress in addressing the issues highlighted in his earlier statement.

He questioned whether the government had given the necessary financial priority to preventive measures, warning that weaknesses in emergency preparedness could become more costly if the country faces an outbreak.

The Abuakwa South MP has therefore called on the Minister for Health to provide Parliament and the Ghanaian public with a detailed account of the funds allocated, released and utilised for emergency preparedness.

He is also demanding evidence of the operational improvements achieved since March.

His challenge places the government's public health spending under scrutiny, particularly regarding whether the resources required for emergency response have translated into measurable improvements in the country's readiness.

For Dr. Agyemang, Ghanaians deserve more than assurances; they need evidence that the country is prepared to protect lives if an emergency occurs.

Land Borders Must Not Become Ghana’s Blind Spot

The MP has warned that Ghana's preparedness efforts must extend beyond Kotoka International Airport to cover all major points of entry, particularly land borders.

He cited the movement of people and goods across West Africa as a reason for strengthening surveillance and improving coordination among health authorities.

He wants regional and district rapid response teams activated and designated isolation and treatment facilities assessed for operational readiness.

He has also called for adequate supplies of personal protective equipment, diagnostic materials and infection prevention resources.

Dr. Agyemang further stressed that frontline healthcare workers must receive practical training, participate in emergency simulation exercises and operate under clear referral protocols.

He argued that the government must release the necessary resources before a confirmed case exposes deficiencies in the health system.

Ebola Alert Raises Questions About Ghana’s Readiness

Nigeria reportedly confirmed a case involving the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola on October 20, 2026.

The MP's statement says subsequent genomic analysis linked the virus closely to a strain identified in Kenya, although this does not establish direct transmission between the two countries.

The development has heightened concerns about cross-border disease transmission and the importance of early detection.

Dr. Agyemang has urged Ghana to strengthen cooperation with the World Health Organization, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and neighbouring countries to facilitate information sharing and coordinated responses.

He has also called for transparent public education on Ebola symptoms, preventive measures and appropriate reporting channels, cautioning against communication that could cause unnecessary panic.

No Confirmed Case in Ghana
The statement indicated that no Ebola case had been confirmed in Ghana as of the latest official Ghanaian update referenced by the MP.

However, Dr. Agyemang warned that the absence of a confirmed case must not become a reason for complacency.

He insists that the government should use the developments in Nigeria to demonstrate that Ghana's surveillance systems, healthcare facilities, emergency teams and funding arrangements are capable of supporting a swift response.

The legislator's central demand is for the government to match its preparedness assurances with verifiable action and public accountability.

As concerns over Ebola preparedness grow, Dr. Agyemang is demanding answers on funding, operational readiness and progress since his earlier warning; issues that place the government's public health emergency planning firmly in the spotlight.