Ghana has strengthened measures at its borders to prevent Ebola entering the country, after cases were reported in parts of Africa.
Thermal scanners have been installed at Kotoka International Airport, while electronic health declaration forms and increased laboratory capacity are being introduced to improve the early identification of suspected cases.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said officials had inspected screening equipment and emergency arrangements at the airport as concern grows about the spread of the Bundibugyo strain.
The electronic forms are intended to help identify travellers requiring further assessment and make contact tracing more efficient. Health workers operating at Ghana’s points of entry have been tasked with detecting potential cases quickly, protecting colleagues and preventing any wider outbreak.
Ghana has not recorded a case of Ebola, but Mr Akandoh said that did not justify reducing the country’s level of preparedness.
“To start with, let me make it emphatically clear that Ghana has not recorded any case of Ebola. There is absolutely no need to press the panic buttons. The Bundibugyo strain has no licensed vaccine and no specific treatment, making prevention the country’s strongest weapon. Our best defence is to keep our gate tight, early detection, contact tracing, so that we are able to contain if or when we record any case,” he said.
Testing and frontline preparations
The minister also confirmed that Ghana was expanding its laboratory network to increase the speed and effectiveness of Ebola testing.
The number of laboratories able to carry out testing is expected to rise from three to five, although no further details were given about the additional facilities. Mr Akandoh identified the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre and the national reference laboratory as part of the country’s preparedness arrangements.
He said the response would also depend on frontline staff having sufficient protective equipment, logistics and the ability to act quickly if a suspected case is identified.
Funding, he said, would be provided according to operational needs rather than limited to a fixed sum. He added that coordination with the CDC was continuing.
“They needed logistics to be able to roll out the electronic declaration form. We have done that. We bought PPEs. So there’s no specific amount; as and when they need it, we should be able to provide it. The coordination is still ongoing. Africa CDC, for example, today I’m supposed to be part of a Zoom meeting of the health ministers, and so at every level, we need coordination,” he added.
The risk of cross-border transmission has increased with cases reported in Kenya and Nigeria. Because the Bundibugyo strain has no licensed vaccine or specific treatment, Ghana’s strategy is focused on prevention, early detection, infection control and rapid isolation.
Authorities are therefore prioritising tight border controls, protection for health workers and a swift response if a suspected case is found.
