By Linda Naa Deide Aryeetey
Accra, Nov. 3, GNA – Ghana has intensified Ebola surveillance at its three international airports, introducing mandatory health declarations and enhanced screening for arriving passengers.
The measures follow an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in some African countries and are aimed at preventing the importation and possible spread of the disease through international travel.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Health and signed by Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, said the intervention was in line with commitments made at a recent Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) ministerial meeting on Ebola.
Under the new measures, passengers arriving through the Accra, Prempeh and Yakubu international airports are required to complete a Health Declaration Form and disclose any travel to, or transit through, Ebola-affected countries within the previous 21 days.
Travellers must also declare any close contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient, visits to health facilities managing Ebola cases, participation in funeral or burial rites involving suspected cases, or contact with blood, body fluids and contaminated materials from an ill person.
The statement said the measures, being implemented through the Ghana Health Service (GHS), were precautionary and would be reviewed as the public health situation evolved.
It noted that Ghana had not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola disease.
The Ministry advised travellers experiencing fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding or bruising to postpone travel and seek immediate medical attention.
On arrival, all passengers would undergo screening by Port Health officers, including non-contact temperature checks, review of health declaration forms and travel histories, and additional questioning on symptoms and potential exposure where necessary.
“Passengers presenting symptoms suggestive of Ebola, those with recent travel from or through affected countries, or individuals with possible exposure to a case will be referred for immediate secondary assessment,” the statement said.
Affected passengers would be taken to designated areas for temporary isolation and evaluation and referred to a health facility where necessary.
The statement said passengers arriving from countries with ongoing Ebola transmission would be monitored for up to 21 days after arrival.
The GHS would undertake follow-up monitoring, while affected travellers would be required to keep accessible contact details and promptly report any symptoms to designated health officials.
The Ministry has also directed hotels, conference venues and other hospitality establishments to notify the nearest district health directorate of the GHS of guests arriving from affected countries.
The facilities are required to maintain records and contact details of all persons accessing their premises while such guests are being hosted.
The Ministry urged arriving passengers to cooperate with Port Health officers, provide accurate travel and health information, comply with screening requirements and practise regular hand hygiene.
Travellers were also advised to immediately report any symptoms that develop during flights or upon arrival.
The statement warned that passengers who knowingly provided false information, concealed symptoms or refused to comply with screening requirements could face public health measures under Ghanaian law.
It urged the public to obtain information from official sources, including the Ministry of Health and the GHS, and refrain from spreading misinformation about the outbreak.
The statement advised persons with health concerns to contact the nearest Port Health officer at the airport or seek care at a health facility.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
3 Nov. 2026
Reporter: Linda Naa Deide Aryeetey
Email: [email protected]