The Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has commenced a nationwide mass vaccination campaign targeting 25,000 dogs and cats in identified high-risk areas.
The free vaccination exercise, which runs throughout September 2026, forms part of Ghana’s efforts to achieve zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 and is being held under the theme “Stronger Together” as part of World Rabies Month 2026.
The Veterinary Services Department has urged pet owners to take advantage of the free vaccination exercise and ensure that their dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies every year.
The Department has also called on the public to report all animal bites or scratches immediately to the nearest health facility and report the animal involved to the nearest veterinary centre.
According to the Department, rabies is virtually 100 percent fatal once symptoms develop, although the disease is preventable through timely vaccination.
It further warned that failure to vaccinate pets may constitute an offence under applicable Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly bye-laws.
As part of the campaign, public education will be intensified through schools, religious institutions, traditional and social media, as well as community engagement activities.
Educational videos and audio messages in Twi, Ga, Ewe and Hausa will also be distributed to improve public awareness about rabies prevention.
The Veterinary Services Department is appealing to MMDAs, civil society organisations, religious and traditional authorities, development partners and private-sector organisations to support the campaign with vaccines, logistics, public education and community mobilisation.
Pet owners and members of the public who require further information or wish to support the campaign can contact the Veterinary Services Department on 055 333 9667 via call or WhatsApp.
The Department says prescribed vaccination fees will apply after the free vaccination campaign ends in September.
By: Bernard Mensah
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