A Member of Parliament’s Health Committee, Hon. Dr. Kingsley Agyemang has called on the government to strengthen Ghana’s public health emergency preparedness following reports of an imported Ebola virus disease case in Nigeria.
In a press statement dated October 26, 2026, the MP for Abuakwa South Constituency said the reported case raised concerns about the potential spread of infectious diseases across West Africa and underscored the need for Ghana to improve its surveillance and emergency response systems.
He noted that Ghana’s extensive regional travel networks, commercial activities and population movements could create pathways for cross-border disease transmission, making early detection and rapid response essential to preventing a public health emergency.
Dr. Agyemang acknowledged the Ministry of Health’s announcement of intensified surveillance and preparedness measures, including enhanced monitoring at Kotoka International Airport.
However, he stressed that the country’s readiness must go beyond official announcements and be demonstrated through practical measures across the health system.
He urged the government, through the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, to strengthen surveillance at major points of entry, particularly land borders, activate regional and district rapid response teams, and assess the readiness of designated isolation and treatment facilities.
He also called for adequate supplies of personal protective equipment, diagnostic materials and other resources needed to support infection prevention and control.
The lawmaker further emphasised the need to protect frontline healthcare workers through practical training, emergency simulation exercises, laboratory preparedness and clear referral protocols.
According to him, the government must release adequate funding promptly to support these interventions rather than wait until a confirmed case exposes weaknesses in the country’s preparedness.
Dr. Agyemang also called for timely and transparent public communication to educate Ghanaians on Ebola symptoms, preventive measures and appropriate reporting channels without creating unnecessary fear.
He urged Ghana to strengthen collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and neighbouring countries to improve information sharing and coordinate responses to potential outbreaks.
Questions government’s preparedness funding
The lawmaker expressed concern about what he described as insufficient publicly demonstrated progress in addressing issues raised in his March 27, 2026, statement on Ghana’s public health emergency preparedness.
He questioned the government’s commitment to financing preventive health measures and called on the Minister for Health to provide Parliament and the public with a clear account of funds allocated, released and utilised for emergency preparedness.
He also demanded evidence of operational improvements achieved since March 2026, arguing that public health security must be measured by concrete action rather than assurances.
“Is the Government unwilling to spend on preventive measures, or have the necessary resources simply not been prioritised?” he asked.
Ghana urged not to be complacent
Dr. Agyemang stressed that the absence of a confirmed Ebola case in Ghana, as indicated in the latest official update cited in his statement, should not lead to complacency.
He urged the government to use developments in Nigeria as an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s readiness to prevent, detect and respond to potential outbreaks.
“Ghana must not wait for its first confirmed Ebola case before discovering gaps in its public health emergency response system,” he said.
He added that adequate preparation, effective surveillance and timely intervention remained critical to protecting public health and preventing a potential emergency.
