The Ministry of Health has introduced enhanced health screening and surveillance measures for all passengers arriving at Ghana’s international airports following an outbreak of Ebola Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in some African countries.
The measures include mandatory health declaration forms, temperature checks, travel history assessments and up to 21 days of monitoring for passengers arriving from countries experiencing ongoing transmission.
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the measures, being implemented through the Ghana Health Service (GHS), were precautionary and intended to minimise the risk of the disease being imported into the country and spreading through international travel.
He stressed that Ghana had not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola, adding that the measures would be reviewed as the outbreak situation evolved.
The announcement follows commitments made at a recent Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) ministerial meeting on Ebola, which brought together all 55 African member states, including more than 40 ministers.
Member states agreed to strengthen preparedness, cross-border and border-point surveillance while keeping borders open and investing in measures to prevent transmission.
Under the new protocols, passengers must complete a Health Declaration Form before travelling and truthfully disclose any travel to or transit through Ebola-affected countries within the previous 21 days.
Travellers 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 suspected cases, and contact with blood, body fluids or contaminated materials from an ill person.
Passengers experiencing fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding or bruising have been advised to postpone travel and seek immediate medical attention.
Screening and isolation at airports
Upon arrival, all passengers will undergo screening by Port Health officers, including non-contact temperature checks, review of their health declaration forms and travel histories, as well as additional questions about symptoms and possible exposure where necessary.
Passengers presenting symptoms suggestive of Ebola, recent travel from or through affected countries, or possible exposure to a case will be referred for immediate secondary assessment.
Those requiring further evaluation will be taken to designated areas for temporary isolation and assessment, and referred to a health facility where necessary.
Passengers arriving from countries with ongoing transmission will be monitored for up to 21 days after arrival.
The Ghana Health Service will contact them for follow-up, while travellers are required to maintain accessible contact details and immediately report any symptoms to designated health officials.
Hotels face reporting requirements
The measures also extend to the hospitality sector, with hotels, conference venues and similar establishments required to report guests arriving from affected countries to the nearest district health directorate of the Ghana Health Service.
Such facilities must also maintain records and contact details of persons accessing their premises while guests from affected countries are being hosted.
Mr Akandoh said all arriving passengers were expected to cooperate fully with Port Health officers, provide accurate travel and health information, comply with screening instructions and practise frequent hand hygiene.
Passengers who develop symptoms during flights or at the airport must report immediately to the relevant health authorities.
He warned that anyone who knowingly provides false information, conceals symptoms or refuses to comply with screening requirements would be subject to public health measures under Ghanaian law.
The public has been urged to rely on official information from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service and avoid spreading rumours about the outbreak.
Persons with health concerns have been advised to contact Port Health officers at the airports or visit the nearest health facility.
