Ghana Issues Public Advisory After WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak Global Health Emergency

The Ministry of Health has issued a public advisory following the World Health Organization’s declaration of the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Uganda and the DR Congo as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

In the advisory signed by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the ministry said the WHO declaration was made due to the “potential risk of cross-border transmission and the serious nature of the disease.”

The ministry, however, stressed that there have been no reported Ebola cases in Ghana or West Africa but urged the public to remain calm and vigilant.

The statement reiterated that Ebola spreads through direct contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, or organs of infected persons, as well as contaminated surfaces and materials.

The ministry advised the public to observe universal safety precautions during public activities and mass gatherings.

Individuals have been encouraged to carry hand sanitisers and maintain proper hand hygiene, while event organisers have been directed to provide handwashing facilities and sanitisers at events.

The advisory also urged Ghanaians to wash their hands regularly with soap under running water or use alcohol-based sanitisers.

Homes, schools, workplaces, markets, points of entry and public spaces were also encouraged to maintain functioning handwashing stations.

The Ministry of Health further cautioned the public against spreading rumours and misinformation that could create panic, advising citizens to rely only on official government and health authority channels for updates.

Persons experiencing symptoms including sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding have been asked to immediately report to the nearest health facility for medical attention.

The ministry said it had intensified surveillance, screening, preparedness and response measures in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and international partners to protect public health.

“The cooperation of every citizen is essential in preventing the spread of Ebola. Together, we can protect our families and communities,” the statement said.