Ghana's Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that health authorities have recorded approximately 450 suspected yellow fever cases across the country between June and September 2026. The Upper West Region accounts for 74 of these cases. According to Mr. Akandoh, three of the 74 cases in the Upper West Region have been confirmed as yellow fever. He emphasized that suspected cases must undergo laboratory confirmation before deaths or illnesses can be conclusively attributed to the disease.
Mr. Akandoh made these remarks at the Ministry of Health's Health Sector Update Engagement in Accra. He stressed the importance of laboratory confirmation, stating that while health professionals can determine whether a death is attributable to a particular disease, confirmation is necessary. The Minister assured the public that the government has stepped up surveillance and response efforts, particularly in northern Ghana. Laboratories have been supplied with the necessary reagents to facilitate testing and confirmation of suspected cases.
To enhance response efforts, a National Rapid Response Team has been deployed to the Upper West Region following the confirmation of cases. Designated areas at district hospitals have been isolated to support the management of suspected and confirmed patients. Mr. Akandoh expressed confidence in the measures put in place to contain the situation, appealing to the public and media organizations to remain calm and support the health authorities' response.
The Health Minister urged the media to handle the situation responsibly, avoiding unnecessary panic. He emphasized that the situation is being managed, and measures are in place to prevent further spread of the disease. The Ministry of Health is working to ensure that suspected cases receive prompt attention and that confirmed cases are isolated and treated.
According to Mr. Akandoh, the government is taking a proactive approach to addressing the situation. The deployment of a National Rapid Response Team and the isolation of designated areas at district hospitals demonstrate the government's commitment to containing the disease. The Minister's assurance of calm and control aims to reassure the public that the situation is under control.
The yellow fever cases in Ghana have raised concerns about the potential for an outbreak. However, the Ministry of Health's swift response and measures to contain the situation have helped to mitigate these concerns. The public is being urged to remain vigilant and take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. The public is advised to follow preventive measures, such as avoiding mosquito bites, to reduce the risk of contracting yellow fever. The Ministry's efforts to contain the disease and prevent further spread are ongoing.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has deployed a National Rapid Response Team to the Upper West Region to enhance response efforts.
- A total of 450 suspected yellow fever cases have been recorded in Ghana since June 2026.
- The Upper West Region accounts for 74 of the suspected yellow fever cases, with three confirmed cases.
