By Nadia Ntiamoah
The Ministry of Health has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media claiming that Ghana has recorded thousands of Ebola cases and hundreds of related deaths, assuring the public that the country remains free of the deadly viral disease.
The Ministry’s response follows the circulation of a publication allegedly attributed to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which claimed that Ghana had recorded 2,300 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) infections and 930 deaths.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry categorically denied the claims, stressing that Ghana has not recorded a single confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease.
“The Ministry wishes to state unequivocally that Ghana has not recorded any case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The figures being circulated are false, misleading, and should be disregarded,” the statement said.
The Ministry explained that recent inspections undertaken by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, at the country’s points of entry, laboratories and designated treatment facilities were part of the routine disease surveillance and emergency preparedness strategy, and not a response to any confirmed Ebola outbreak.
According to the Ministry, the visits formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s capacity to detect, prevent and respond promptly to potential public health emergencies.
It emphasised that such preparedness exercises are standard public health measures aimed at ensuring that Ghana remains ready to deal with any disease threats that may emerge within the sub-region or globally.
“These proactive measures do not indicate an Ebola outbreak in Ghana,” the Ministry clarified.
The Ministry further urged Ghanaians to disregard unverified reports and avoid sharing false information capable of causing unnecessary fear and panic among the public.
It advised citizens to rely solely on verified information issued by the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service regarding disease outbreaks and other public health matters.
Health authorities noted that Ghana continues to maintain a robust disease surveillance system and remains vigilant, particularly following periodic outbreaks of Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers reported in some African countries over the years.
In recent years, the country has strengthened screening at border entry points, enhanced laboratory testing capacity and trained health professionals in emergency response as part of national efforts to prevent the importation and spread of infectious diseases.
