Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has assured the public that Ghana is prepared to detect and respond to any potential Ebola case, following an inspection of screening and emergency response measures at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra.
He said Ghana has not recorded any Ebola case and urged the public to remain calm, assuring that the government had strengthened surveillance systems and response mechanisms to protect the country against the disease.
Mr Akandoh explained that early detection, contact tracing and effective containment measures were critical to preventing the spread of Ebola, particularly given the treatment and vaccine limitations associated with the strain of concern.
As part of the country’s preparedness measures, the minister confirmed that thermal scanners had been installed at the airport to screen arriving passengers for symptoms that could indicate a possible infection.
He also disclosed that electronic health declaration forms are being finalised to enable passengers travelling to Ghana to submit relevant health information before arrival.
According to him, the proposed system would help health officials assess travellers and identify individuals who might require further medical screening or investigation.
Mr Akandoh said the Ministry of Health would soon issue an official statement outlining the implementation of the electronic declaration system. Following the announcement, airlines and airport authorities would be expected to ensure that passengers completed the forms as part of the screening process.
The minister further indicated that designated facilities are available to isolate and treat suspected or confirmed cases should an infection be detected in the country.
“We are ready, and we are praying we don’t record any case, but if we do, we are ready to do the needful,” he said.
He stressed that all arriving passengers must comply with the required screening protocols, irrespective of their status, to ensure that potential cases were identified promptly and appropriate action taken.
Mr Akandoh added that the government is working to expand screening capacity at the country’s land borders as part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s preparedness against infectious diseases.
The measures, he said, forms part of the country’s efforts to enhance early detection, strengthen public health surveillance and prevent the possible importation and spread of Ebola.
The minister’s assurance comes as Ghana intensifies its preparedness measures to protect public health and ensure that health authorities can respond promptly should a suspected case emerge.
By 1960news.com
