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Ghana has introduced precautionary health screening and a 21-day monitoring policy for travelers arriving from countries affected by the Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
The measures, which will be implemented by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) at all international airports, are aimed at reducing the risk of the disease entering the country and spreading through international travel.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and signed by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ministry of Health said the measures were necessary in response to the ongoing outbreak of Ebola Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
The ministry stressed that Ghana had not recorded any confirmed Ebola case and described the new measures as precautionary.
“To date, Ghana has not recorded a confirmed case of Ebola Disease. These measures are precautionary and will be reviewed as the situation evolves,” the statement said.
Screening at Ghana’s international airports
Under the new arrangements, all passengers arriving at Ghana’s international airports will undergo screening by Port Health officers.
The screening process will include non-contact temperature checks, reviews of health declaration forms and questions about passengers’ travel history, symptoms and possible exposure to the virus.
Travellers will be required to declare whether they have visited or transited through Ebola-affected countries within the previous 21 days.
They must also disclose whether they have had close contact with suspected or confirmed Ebola patients, visited health facilities treating Ebola cases, participated in relevant funeral or burial activities, or come into contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person.
Passengers who show symptoms or have a relevant travel history or possible exposure will undergo further assessment.
According to the ministry, such individuals may be temporarily isolated in a designated area for evaluation and referred to a health facility where necessary.
Travellers face 21-day monitoring
Passengers arriving from countries with ongoing Ebola transmission will be monitored for up to 21 days.
The Ghana Health Service will contact the affected travelers for follow-up during the monitoring period. They will be expected to remain reachable and immediately report any symptoms that may develop.
The ministry has also directed hotels, conference venues and similar establishments to report guests arriving from affected countries to the nearest district health directorate.
These establishments are also expected to maintain records and contact details of individuals accessing their facilities while such guests are being hosted.
False information may attract legal action
The Ministry of Health has urged travelers to cooperate with Port Health officers and provide accurate information about their health conditions, travel history and possible exposure.
Passengers have also been advised to follow screening instructions and practise frequent hand hygiene.
The ministry warned that individuals who knowingly provide false information, conceal symptoms or refuse to undergo screening could face public health measures under Ghanaian law.
Ebola outbreak raises regional concerns
Ghana’s precautionary measures come amid a major Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
According to figures from the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of October 31, 2026, affected countries had recorded 10,498 confirmed Ebola cases and 5,107 confirmed deaths.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo accounted for 10,467 confirmed cases and 5,103 deaths.
The World Health Organization has also reported continued transmission in the DRC, with imported cases recorded in Kenya and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s Ministry of Health has urged the public to rely on official information from the ministry and the Ghana Health Service rather than spreading unverified reports.
The government says the measures will be reviewed as the outbreak situation develops.
