Ghana is reinforcing its defense against the Ebola virus through enhanced surveillance and preparedness measures, particularly at its Elubo border crossing, despite having no confirmed or suspected cases within the country. The proactive stance was highlighted during a recent inspection tour by Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Dankwa, who assessed the nation’s readiness to prevent and respond to any potential outbreak.
Strengthening Border Surveillance
The visit to the Elubo border, Ghana’s second-largest entry point, was part of a broader government initiative to fortify emergency response systems. Dr. Ayensu-Dankwa emphasized that continuous preparedness is the most effective strategy for preventing the disease from entering Ghana, even in the absence of current cases.
“Even though Ebola hasn’t come to Ghana and we don’t have any suspected cases, we have to be prepared. Emergency preparedness is what is going to prevent the disease from entering the country,” she stated during the tour.
Officials observed that screening systems for travelers entering and exiting the country are operational. Public education campaigns are also underway, with informational flyers displayed prominently around the border area.
“We were very impressed with what we found. Those who are coming in and those who are leaving are being monitored, and all the systems are in place. We have also seen public education flyers displayed around the border. The message we are getting is very encouraging,” Dr. Ayensu-Dankwa noted.
Addressing Gaps and Enhancing Capacity
While expressing satisfaction with the existing measures, the Deputy Minister identified specific areas requiring attention. These include the need for additional personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers and improvements to laboratory capacity for quicker and more accurate diagnostics.
Dr. Ayensu-Dankwa assured border officials that these concerns would be promptly communicated to the Minister of Health and other relevant authorities for swift action. “We will bring the necessary equipment, consumables and PPEs needed to effectively manage this border and help prevent Ebola from entering the country,” she pledged.
Local Authorities on High Alert
In parallel, health authorities within the Jomoro Municipality, where Elubo is located, have confirmed they are on high alert. Gabriel Yengliereh, the Municipal Director of Health, reported that public sensitization activities have been intensified and screening procedures at approved entry points remain robust.
“As you can see, we have ongoing public sensitisation. We have posters displayed around, handwashing facilities and sanitisers available for travellers. Every bus and traveller arriving through the border undergoes screening,” Mr. Yengliereh explained.
Screening protocols involve health officers inspecting vehicles for potentially sick passengers before individuals are subjected to temperature checks using thermometer guns.
Challenges and Ongoing Vigilance
Mr. Yengliereh highlighted the challenge posed by numerous unapproved routes along the border, which can facilitate irregular entry and complicate surveillance efforts. Despite this, he expressed confidence in the municipality’s ability to detect any suspected Ebola case that enters through official channels.
“Our only concern is the unapproved routes that people use. But if a suspected case of Ebola comes through this border, I can assure you that we will definitely detect it,” he asserted.
Health authorities continue to urge the public to adhere to good hygiene practices and to report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility as the nation maintains heightened surveillance measures against the potential spread of Ebola.
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