Ghana has stepped up its Ebola preparedness amid concerns that direct flights from Kenya and high passenger volumes could increase the risk of the virus spreading into the West African country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 21, Ghana’s Ministry of Health said frequent air travel between the two countries required heightened surveillance as Ebola cases continued to emerge in the region. The ministry’s concerns follow Kenya’s report of an imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on October 6, 2026.
According to the Ghanaian authorities, Kenya’s travel connections and higher passenger volumes compared with the DRC could expose the country to an increased risk of importing the virus.
“The situation in Kenya poses a significant risk to Ghana due to direct flights between the two countries and higher passenger volumes than in the DRC,” the ministry stated.
By October 20, Kenyan authorities had reported nine cases linked to the initial infection, including healthcare workers, prompting neighbouring and other regional countries to strengthen their preventive measures. Ghana has also heightened its vigilance following Nigeria’s confirmation of an Ebola case in its Federal Capital Territory on October 20. The patient had a history of living in the DRC and travelled to Nigeria from Uganda, raising further concerns about cross-border transmission.
The Ghanaian Ministry of Health noted that frequent travel between Ghana and Nigeria made stronger surveillance necessary to identify potential infections early. Although Ghana has not reported any Ebola cases, the government is working with the Ghana Health Service, airport authorities and other partners to strengthen its response capabilities.
The measures include enhanced screening at entry points, simulation exercises at Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Center, and closer monitoring of travellers arriving from affected areas. Health officials are also updating laboratory procedures, sensitising healthcare workers and educating airport passengers about Ebola symptoms and the steps to take if they become unwell.
Ghana’s response comes as other countries introduce precautionary measures amid the outbreak. Tanzania has introduced mandatory health monitoring for travellers for 21 days, while El Salvador has imposed visa restrictions affecting Kenya and seven other African countries. The United States has also raised its travel advisory level to Level 3 over the situation.