The Ministry of Health has announced enhanced screening and monitoring measures for passengers arriving at Ghana’s international airports following an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in some African countries.
The measures, which took effect following the announcement on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, are intended to reduce the risk of the virus being imported into Ghana and spreading through international travel.
In a statement signed by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the ministry said Ghana had not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola but described the measures as precautionary and subject to review as the situation evolves.
Under the new arrangements, all arriving passengers will undergo screening by Port Health officers, including non-contact temperature checks, a review of their health declaration forms and questions about their travel history and possible exposure to the virus.
Travellers will be required to declare any travel to or transit through Ebola-affected countries within the previous 21 days. They must also disclose contact with suspected or confirmed Ebola patients, visits to health facilities managing Ebola cases, participation in funerals or burial rites involving suspected cases, and contact with blood or other body fluids from an ill person.
Passengers who report symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding or bruising have been advised to postpone travel and seek immediate medical attention.
Those who show symptoms suggestive of Ebola, have recently travelled through affected countries or may have been exposed to a case will be referred for further assessment. They will be taken to a designated area for temporary isolation and evaluation before referral to a health facility where necessary.
The Ghana Health Service will also monitor passengers arriving from countries with ongoing transmission for up to 21 days, contacting them for follow-up and requiring them to report any symptoms immediately.
The ministry has extended the monitoring requirements to the hospitality sector, directing hotels, conference venues and similar establishments to report guests arriving from affected countries to the nearest district health directorate of the Ghana Health Service.
Such facilities are also required to maintain records and contact details of people who access their services while hosting the affected travellers.
The ministry said passengers must cooperate with Port Health officers, provide truthful travel and health information, observe screening instructions and practise frequent hand hygiene.
It warned that passengers who knowingly provide false information, conceal symptoms or refuse to comply with screening requirements will be subject to public health measures under Ghanaian law.
The measures are consistent with commitments made at a recent Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention ministerial meeting on Ebola, where African Union member states agreed to strengthen cross-border surveillance while keeping borders open.
