Ebola: Health Minister Akandoh assesses screening protocols at airport
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has assessed the health screening protocols at Accra International Airport and directed the strengthening of Ghana's Ebola preparedness measures.
He also inspected key national response points, including the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and the Ga East Infectious Disease Centre.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health explained the inspection tour began at the Accra International Airport, where the Minister assessed screening protocols for arriving passengers.
While expressing satisfaction with the measures currently in place, he directed immediate improvements, including the deployment of advanced temperature scanners and enhanced passenger flow systems to strengthen surveillance at the country's entry points.
PPE presented to health personnel
As part of efforts to boost frontline preparedness, the Minister presented Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to health personnel and emphasised that all travellers, regardless of their status, must comply fully with screening procedures.
Noguchi Institute ready
At the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, the Director of the Institute, Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, assured the Minister that the facility is fully equipped with the required expertise, reagents, and laboratory equipment to respond effectively to any suspected case. She also highlighted the establishment of a dedicated sample receipt centre to ensure the safe and efficient handling of samples.
WHO commends Ghana
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Dr Fiona Braka, also commended Ghana's preparedness systems, from screening at entry points to laboratory diagnosis. She emphasised the importance of rapid testing, stating that suspected cases should be confirmed within 24 hours, while urging the public to remain vigilant due to the seriousness of the disease.
Ga East Infectious Disease Centre ready
The Minister's final stop was at the Ga East Infectious Disease Centre, where he noted that the facility remains fully prepared to respond to any potential outbreak, drawing on its experience in managing previous public health emergencies.
No cause for panic
Although Ghana has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, Hon. Akandoh urged the public not to take the situation lightly. He called for strict adherence to preventive measures, including regular hand hygiene, avoiding handshakes, and the early reporting of symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding.
"There is no cause for panic, but we must all play our part," the Minister stated, underscoring that collective responsibility remains Ghana's strongest defence against any potential outbreak.
