In 2025, Ghana recorded several significant disease outbreaks, placing considerable strain on the country’s public health system and prompting intensified surveillance, treatment, and prevention efforts by health authorities and stakeholders.

Mpox

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was one of the most persistent outbreaks of the year.

The outbreak, which began in March, spread across multiple regions, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono East, and Volta.

Ghana's MPOX cases rise to 670 with three deaths

As of November 20, 2025, the Ghana Health Service had confirmed 11 new infections, bringing the national case count to 880.

Earlier situational reports indicated that cases recorded in October involved individuals aged between one and 50 years from the Western, Bono, Greater Accra, and Western North regions. At the time, two patients were on admission.

The death toll stood at three, with a cumulative total of 3,506 suspected cases. More than 3,800 contacts had been identified since the outbreak began.

In a post on its official X page on December 24, 2025, the Ghana Health Service cautioned the public, stating, “Mpox is still out there; avoid crowded places this festive season if you can.”



Cholera

Cholera also remained a major public health concern, following an outbreak that began in 2024 and extended into 2025.

In February 2025, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, disclosed that as of February 13, Ghana had recorded 6,145 cases, including 719 confirmed cases and 49 deaths across five regions.

“In all, five regions have reported cases since the outbreak began. These are the Greater Accra, Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern regions,” he said.

In response, health authorities rolled out emergency interventions, including oral cholera vaccination campaigns, public education on hygiene practices, and measures to improve water and sanitation.

Meningitis

In the early months of 2025, Ghana experienced a meningitis outbreak, with the Upper West Region being the most affected.

Health officials recorded over 100 suspected cases and 16 deaths, triggering urgent medical interventions and support from international partners. The outbreak was linked to bacterial meningitis strains common within the meningitis belt, particularly during the dry season, leading to heightened surveillance across northern Ghana.

Typhoid Fever

In August 2025, the Oti Region faced a severe typhoid fever outbreak, with more than 10,000 reported cases across several districts.

Regional Environmental Health Officer Cynthia Sekyere described the situation as alarming, attributing the surge to poor sanitation, weak waste management systems, and limited access to safe drinking water.

“We have data from the Oti Health Directorate indicating a total of 10,233 confirmed cases of typhoid fever between the first and second quarters of this year. The first quarter alone recorded 4,417 cases, with 5,816 additional cases confirmed in the second quarter. This is a major public health concern,” she stated.

JKB/MA

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