The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict and track infectious diseases, including Ebola. According to Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the GHS, this approach could help authorities respond early to potential outbreaks. He made these comments while discussing the country's preparedness for a potential Ebola outbreak. Ghana is taking precautionary measures against an outbreak, although none has been reported.
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was declared on May 15, 2026, in Ituri province. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to rapid spread and cross-border cases in Uganda. Ebola Virus Disease is a severe viral illness spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials and surfaces. Symptoms include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding.
The public has been advised to maintain good hygiene practices to prevent an outbreak in Ghana. The GHS recommends washing hands regularly with soap under running water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. People are also advised to avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, handling dead bodies without protection, and handling or eating sick or dead wild animals. Ensuring all meat is properly handled and thoroughly cooked before consumption is also crucial.
In addition to Ebola, the GHS is taking measures to prevent Hantavirus from entering the country. This follows reports of Hantavirus infections on a cruise ship docked in Cape Verde. The cruise ship carried crew members primarily from the Philippines, with passengers from the US, Europe, South America, Australia, and Asia. Eight suspected cases, five confirmed infections, and three deaths were recorded on the vessel as of May 7.
The GHS has activated its Port Health Division and other public health structures to reduce the risk of importation. Enhanced surveillance has been deployed at all ports of entry, including airports and seaports. Health facilities nationwide have been directed to intensify monitoring and reporting of unusual respiratory illnesses. The public is advised to maintain proper hygiene, keep surroundings clean, store food safely, dispose of waste properly, and avoid contact with rodents and their droppings.
The Ghana Health Service is part of the government's efforts to improve healthcare. The Free Primary Healthcare Policy was launched on April 15 by President John Dramani Mahama. The policy aims to ensure that every resident, especially vulnerable populations, can access essential health services without paying out-of-pocket. Over 24,534 pieces of medical equipment have been procured and are ready to be deployed across the country.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has disbursed over GH¢392 million in vetted claims to healthcare providers across Ghana between December 2025 and January 2026. The NHIA is also proposing a 120% increase in service tariffs to ease the financial burden on citizens and ensure equal access to healthcare. The proposed increase is pending approval from its Board and the Minister of Health.
Key points
- Ghana is exploring the use of AI to predict and track infectious diseases, including Ebola.
- The country is taking precautionary measures against a potential Ebola outbreak.
- The government has launched the Free Primary Healthcare Policy to improve healthcare access.
