The Ghanaian government has stepped up Ebola surveillance at its three international airports, introducing mandatory health declarations and enhanced screening for arriving passengers. This move is in response to an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in some African countries. The goal is to prevent the importation and possible spread of the disease through international travel.
Under the new measures, passengers arriving through the Accra, Prempeh, and Yakubu international airports are required to complete a Health Declaration Form. They must disclose any travel to, or transit through, Ebola-affected countries within the previous 21 days. Travellers must also declare any close contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient.
The Ministry of Health, in a statement signed by Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the measures are in line with commitments made at a recent Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) ministerial meeting on Ebola. The interventions are being implemented through the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and are precautionary.
Passengers arriving from countries with ongoing Ebola transmission will be monitored for up to 21 days after arrival. The GHS will undertake follow-up monitoring, while affected travellers will be required to keep accessible contact details and promptly report any symptoms to designated health officials.
On arrival, all passengers will undergo screening by Port Health officers, including non-contact temperature checks, review of health declaration forms, and travel histories. Additional questioning on symptoms and potential exposure will be conducted where necessary. Passengers presenting symptoms suggestive of Ebola will be referred for immediate secondary assessment.
The Ministry has also directed hotels, conference venues, and other hospitality establishments to notify the nearest district health directorate of the GHS of guests arriving from affected countries. These facilities are required to maintain records and contact details of all persons accessing their premises while such guests are being hosted.
The Ministry urged arriving passengers to cooperate with Port Health officers, provide accurate travel and health information, comply with screening requirements, and practise regular hand hygiene. Travellers were also advised to immediately report any symptoms that develop during flights or upon arrival. Passengers who knowingly provided false information could face public health measures under Ghanaian law.
Key points
- Ghana has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola disease.
- Passengers arriving from countries with ongoing Ebola transmission will be monitored for up to 21 days after arrival.
- The Ministry of Health advised travellers experiencing fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, or bruising to postpone travel and seek immediate medical attention.
