Ghana Enforces New Ebola Monitoring Measures At Airports

The Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has introduced enhanced Ebola screening and monitoring measures for passengers arriving at all international airports in Ghana following an outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease in some African countries.

The precautionary measures require travellers to declare relevant travel histories and possible exposure, undergo arrival screening and, where necessary, receive further assessment and monitoring for up to 21 days.

Although Ghana has not recorded a confirmed Ebola case, authorities are strengthening surveillance to reduce the risk of the disease entering the country and spreading through international travel.

“The measures are intended to strengthen surveillance at Ghana’s points of entry and minimise the risk of Ebola being imported into the country through international travel.”

The Ministry explained that the measures are preventive and will be reviewed as the outbreak situation evolves. They also reflect commitments made at a recent Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) ministerial meeting on Ebola, attended by all 55 African member states, including more than 40 ministers.

At the meeting, member states agreed to implement preparedness actions, strengthen surveillance across borders and at entry points, and keep borders open while investing in measures to prevent transmission.

The Ghana Health Service will therefore work with Port Health officers to screen passengers and identify individuals who may require additional assessment. The approach seeks to balance public health protection with the continued movement of travellers across international borders.

Under the new arrangements, passengers must complete a Health Declaration Form before travelling and truthfully disclose whether they have visited or transited through countries affected by Ebola within the previous 21 days.

They must also declare close contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient, visits to health facilities managing Ebola cases, participation in funeral or burial rites involving a suspected case, and contact with blood, body fluids or contaminated materials from an ill person.

The Ministry urged travellers experiencing symptoms associated with Ebola to postpone their journeys and seek medical attention immediately.

These symptoms include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding or bruising.

The declaration process is intended to help health authorities identify potential exposure before passengers enter the country and determine whether further precautions are necessary.