The Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to strengthen Ghana’s preparedness against Ebola, with directives to tighten surveillance and response systems at the Aflao Border.
Deputy Minister for Health, Grace Ayensu-Danquah, issued the directive during an assessment visit to the border post aimed at evaluating existing disease prevention and control measures.
During the visit, the Deputy Minister engaged officials of frontline agencies and held discussions on measures needed to enhance border health security and address gaps in disease detection and response.
Border officials informed her that screening, surveillance and isolation protocols are currently in place to monitor and manage potential health threats.
However, they highlighted a number of challenges, including inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), limited staffing and deteriorating infrastructure established during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah also conducted inspections of screening points, the isolation centre and the municipal hospital to assess the readiness of health personnel and facilities to respond to any potential Ebola outbreak.
She assured stakeholders that the government is taking steps to strengthen the country’s frontline defences against infectious diseases.
The Deputy Minister disclosed that plans are underway to establish modern, fully equipped border health facilities and increase investments in personnel, logistics and essential medical supplies to improve surveillance and emergency response capabilities at the country’s entry points.
The intervention forms part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Health to enhance national preparedness and protect public health amid concerns over the potential spread of Ebola and other infectious diseases in the region.
