Ebola: Ghana imposes systematic screening on travelers arriving in Accra

Ghana is strengthening its health measures in response to the spread of Ebola in Africa. Since November 3, 2026, all travelers arriving at Accra International Airport have been subject to health screenings aimed at preventing the introduction of the virus into the country.

Announced by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, this measure includes contactless temperature checks, verification of health declarations and examination of travel history.

Passengers exhibiting suspicious symptoms or who have recently traveled to affected countries may be subject to further assessment and temporary isolation. Those arriving directly from affected areas will be monitored for up to 21 days.

The measures also apply to the hotel sector, which is required to report guests arriving from affected countries to the authorities and to keep a register of their visitors. The minister also warns that any concealment of symptoms or false declaration will subject offenders to the penalties stipulated by Ghanaian law.

These measures follow recommendations made during a virtual meeting of the Africa CDC on October 28, which brought together some forty African health ministers. Participants called, in particular, for strengthened border surveillance, without closing borders.

Djamila Kambou