Govt Activates Ebola Surveillance, Isolation Systems at Elubo and Aflao Borders

Story by Fada Amakye

Government has activated surveillance and isolation systems at key border posts as part of a swift response to prevent Ebola virus disease from entering Ghana, following a fresh outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo in mid-May.

Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah disclosed this during a tour of the busy Elubo and Aflao crossings to assess Ghana’s readiness for the deadly disease.I

As a government, it is our duty to ensure that our country and the citizens are safe and that is what we are doing by assessing our response mechanism to this deadly disease,” the clinician and surgeon said. She added that President John Dramani Mahama had directed the Ministry to ensure the country is ready to respond to any potential outbreak.

The tour forms part of broader efforts to reinforce disease surveillance and response capacity amid rising regional risks. The World Health Organization in May declared the DRC outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, underscoring the urgency of Ghana’s preparedness measures to prevent cross-border transmission.

At Aflao and Elubo, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah engaged border security agencies, port health officials, and local authorities to review screening procedures, isolation facilities, and coordination mechanisms designed to detect and contain suspected cases.

Officials briefed her that screening, surveillance and isolation protocols were already in place, making Ghana ready to deal with potential cases. However, they also flagged critical gaps including inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), limited staffing, and deteriorating infrastructure established during COVID-19.

The Deputy Minister pledged swift government action to address the shortcomings. “The government is moving swiftly to address these shortcomings, with plans to roll out modern, fully equipped border health facilities and boost investments in personnel, logistics and essential supplies to strengthen Ghana’s frontline defences,” she said.

“The government remains committed to ensuring robust surveillance, screening and response mechanisms are in place to protect the health and safety of Ghanaians,” she added during inspections of screening points, isolation centres and municipal health facilities.

The tour underscores President Mahama’s administration prioritizing health security at points of entry, where cross-border trade and movement heighten disease importation risks.

The President has made strengthening the health system through renewed investments in primary healthcare, disease surveillance and frontline infrastructure a focal point. Flagship interventions include the Mahama Cares programme and a free primary healthcare policy, alongside ongoing retooling of hospitals and retraining of health workers.

Beyond infrastructure, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s visit also aimed to strengthen coordination among the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs Division of GRA, and regional health directorates while identifying resource and training needs to improve emergency response capacity.