Ebola outbreak: Ghana introduces airport screening, 21-day monitoring for travellers

The Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has introduced enhanced screening and monitoring measures for passengers arriving at all international airports as part of efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola into the country.

The move follows an outbreak of the disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in parts of Africa.

In a statement, the Ministry stressed that Ghana had not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola, describing the new measures as precautionary and subject to review as the situation develops.

It said the measures were in line with commitments made at a recent Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) ministerial meeting, where all 55 African member states agreed to strengthen disease surveillance and preparedness while keeping borders open.

“Under the arrangements, travellers must complete a Health Declaration Form before departure and disclose any travel to or transit through Ebola-affected countries within the previous 21 days.

“Passengers are also required to report possible exposure to suspected or confirmed cases, including contact with infected persons, visits to facilities treating Ebola patients and participation in burial activities involving suspected cases,” the statement added.

Travellers experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding have been advised to postpone their journeys and seek medical attention.

“At the airports, Port Health officers will conduct non-contact temperature checks, review passengers’ health declarations and travel histories, and make further inquiries where necessary.

“Those presenting symptoms or identified as having possible exposure will undergo secondary assessment and may be temporarily isolated before referral to a health facility,” it added.

The Ghana Health Service will also monitor passengers arriving from countries experiencing active Ebola transmission for up to 21 days, with affected travellers expected to remain reachable and report any symptoms immediately.

Hotels, conference centres and other hospitality facilities have been directed to notify the nearest district health directorate about guests arriving from affected countries and maintain their contact details.

The Ministry has urged travellers to cooperate with screening officers, provide accurate health and travel information and observe regular hand hygiene.

It also warned that anyone who deliberately provides false information, conceals symptoms or refuses to comply with screening requirements could face public health measures under Ghanaian law.

The public has been advised to rely on official updates from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service and avoid spreading unverified information.