Five people have died from rabies in Ghana’s Western and Western North regions in 2026, while health authorities warn that low vaccination rates and a rise in dog bites are increasing the risk of further infections.
The latest concern follows an incident in a suburb of Sekondi, where a suspected rabid stray dog reportedly attacked and bit nine people, including children. The victims are now undergoing assessment.
Health officials say the incident highlights the dangers posed by unvaccinated and free-roaming dogs, and are urging residents to seek medical attention after any bite or scratch rather than treating it as a minor injury.
Two of the deaths were recorded in Wassa East, while Jomoro and Amenfi East each reported one fatality. A further death was reported in Bibiani involving a victim from Diaso in the Central Region.
Dr Simon Gbene, the Western Regional Veterinary Officer, said the number of cases showed that rabies remained a serious public-health threat across the two regions.
“As of the first half of 2026, four (4) rabies-related deaths had already been publicly reported in the Western Region, two in Wassa East, one in Jomoro and one in Amenfi East underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The additional deaths reported in Bibiani and involving a victim from Diaso in Central Region.
We are sitting on tenterhooks. The situation is critical. The available 2026 surveillance information indicates a continuing public-health concern, with cases occurring across several districts. We are particularly concerned because dog bites are frequently associated with unvaccinated, free-roaming or stray dogs, creating opportunities for rabies transmission.” He explained.
The veterinary authorities’ main concern is the extremely limited coverage of rabies vaccinations among animals in Western and Western North. The dog and cat population in the two regions is estimated at about 166,000, based on the 2009 census, but fewer than 5% are currently vaccinated.
That figure is well below the 70% coverage recommended to interrupt transmission of rabies among dogs.
Dr Gbene said the suspected rabid dog attack in Sekondi had further exposed the scale of the challenge.
“The combined dog and cat population of the Western and Western North Regions is estimated at approximately 166,000, based on the 2009 census. However, actual rabies vaccination coverage is currently less than 5%. This is critically inadequate. We are currently dealing with an unusual and highly alarming incident in a suburb of Sekondi, where one confirmed/suspected rabid stray dog has bitten nine (9) people, including children.
The investigation has also revealed a dangerous community belief that kola nuts can cure rabies. This belief is completely false. Kola nuts cannot cure rabies and must never be used as a substitute for proper medical treatment. We need donor support for vaccination drive in the districts.” He noted.
Health officials say historical figures also demonstrate the frequency of dog-bite incidents in the regions. Between 2015 and 2021, the estimated average annual dog-bite rate was more than 78 per 100,000 people in the Western Region and almost 73 per 100,000 in Western North.
The figures come as communities face growing anxiety over attacks by stray dogs, while families mourn people who might have survived if treatment had been given promptly.
Authorities are calling on dog owners to have their animals vaccinated and registered. They are also asking local assemblies to strengthen efforts to control stray and free-roaming dogs.
Rabies is mainly spread through the saliva of infected animals, commonly through bites or scratches. Once symptoms develop, the disease is almost invariably fatal.
However, officials stress that rabies deaths are preventable. Immediate medical assessment and appropriate treatment after exposure can stop the disease from progressing, while wider vaccination of dogs and cats can reduce the risk of transmission.
