Ghana on high alert as Ebola cases reported in Uganda and DR Congo

The Ministry of Health has assured the public that Ghana has not recorded any confirmed or suspected case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), despite recent outbreaks reported in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a press release issued on May 18, 2026, the Ministry stated that according to updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), confirmed and suspected Ebola cases have recently been detected in the two African countries.

The Ministry noted that it is working closely with international health partners and has activated precautionary measures nationwide to strengthen Ghana’s preparedness and response systems.

According to the statement, measures currently being implemented include enhanced surveillance and screening at airports, seaports, and land borders, as well as increased monitoring of travellers arriving from affected countries.

The Ministry also indicated that health workers are being trained and equipped to identify, isolate, and manage suspected Ebola cases safely. Public health emergency coordination systems and rapid response mechanisms have also been activated across the country.

The statement further highlighted intensified public education and community awareness campaigns aimed at preventing the spread of the disease.

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe viral illness spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials and surfaces. Symptoms may include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, bleeding.

The Ministry advised the public to observe preventive measures such as regular handwashing, avoiding direct contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, and refraining from handling dead bodies or wild animals without proper protection.

Ghanaians were also urged to avoid spreading misinformation and rely only on official updates from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.

The statement was signed by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of all persons in the country while authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.