Health Ministry Steps Up Disease Surveillance After Accra Floods

The Ministry of Health has intensified measures to prevent outbreaks of waterborne and other communicable diseases following the floods that affected parts of Accra, with Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh directing health authorities to strengthen surveillance, public education and emergency preparedness.

The move comes after torrential rains caused flooding in several parts of the capital, including Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Alogboshie, Circle VIP and Neoplan Station, displacing residents, damaging property and raising concerns over possible public health threats.

The ministry said the minister conducted field assessments in some of the affected communities to evaluate conditions on the ground and facilitate the rapid deployment of health interventions.

In a statement, the ministry said the minister had instructed the Ghana Health Service to “intensify disease surveillance, scale up risk communication and strengthen community-level interventions in all affected districts.”

The statement said the ministry’s immediate priority is to prevent disease outbreaks commonly associated with flooding, including those linked to contaminated water, poor sanitation and stagnant water.

Speaking after visiting flood-hit communities at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and Alogboshie, Mintah Akandoh said his visit was intended to educate residents on essential sanitation and public health measures following the heavy rains.

“This morning, I visited flood-affected communities at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and Alogboshie to educate residents on essential sanitation and public health measures following the torrential rains that affected parts of Accra,” he said.

He added that the government remains committed to supporting affected communities during the recovery process.

“Government stands in solidarity with all affected communities and remains committed to supporting recovery efforts, restoring livelihoods, and ensuring that no community is left behind,” he said.

The minister also announced that he had convened a high-level meeting with agencies under the Ministry of Health to review their level of preparedness and strengthen coordination against any potential health emergencies arising from the floods.

“I also convened a high-level meeting with key agencies under the Ministry of Health to assess preparedness and strengthen our coordinated response to potential public health emergencies arising from the flooding,” he said.

According to Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the emergency response involves collaboration among the Ghana Health Service, the National Ambulance Service, the National Health Insurance Authority, faith-based health service delivery agencies and the Ministry of Local Government.

The agencies are expected to coordinate interventions to address critical water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) concerns in affected communities.

The ministry also urged health workers to intensify public education on preventive health practices, with support from the media, traditional authorities, religious leaders and educational institutions.

It called on metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies to work closely with health authorities to enforce environmental sanitation measures aimed at reducing public health risks.

Food vendors have also been directed to comply strictly with food hygiene standards to minimise the risk of food contamination.

For residents, the ministry advised people to clear blocked drains, remove stagnant water around their homes and keep their surroundings clean to reduce mosquito breeding and other health hazards.

It also warned that flooding could force reptiles and other dangerous animals into residential communities and urged the public to remain vigilant.

The ministry further encouraged Ghanaians to practise good hygiene by drinking safe water, washing their hands regularly with soap and water, eating well-cooked food and reporting symptoms of illness promptly to the nearest health facility.

It also urged the public to rely only on verified information from official sources.

While acknowledging the health risks associated with the flooding, the ministry said the situation remained under control.

“The Ministry assures the public that the situation is under control and that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard public health,” the statement said.

It added that efforts were also being made to ensure that health services remain uninterrupted despite the impact of the floods.

The latest measures form part of the government’s broader response to the flooding, which has prompted emergency interventions by several state institutions as authorities seek to support affected communities while preventing a secondary public health crisis.