Deputy Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness at the Elubo border post, following an assessment visit aimed at evaluating Ghana’s readiness against a potential Ebola outbreak.

Speaking during the visit, Dr Ayensu-Danquah said the government was taking proactive measures to prevent the disease from entering the country, despite Ghana not recording any suspected cases.

According to her, the assessment forms part of efforts to strengthen the country’s emergency preparedness following concerns over Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa.

“We have to be prepared. Emergency preparedness is what is going to prevent the disease from entering the country,” she said.

She noted that officials found robust screening and monitoring systems in place for both incoming and outgoing travellers at the Elubo border, which she described as the country’s second-largest border crossing.

Dr Ayensu-Danquah said the delegation met with key stakeholders, including Border Security officials, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Port Health officers, the Ghana Health Service, National Security personnel and representatives of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).

“We were very impressed with what we found. Those who are coming in and those who are leaving, all the systems are in place to screen them,” she stated.

Dr Ayensu-Danquah, however, acknowledged a few gaps, including the need for additional personal protective equipment (PPEs) and improvements to laboratory facilities at the border post.

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She assured officials that their concerns would be relayed to Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and President John Dramani Mahama for immediate attention.

“We will bring the necessary equipment and consumables, including PPEs, to effectively manage this border, save Ghanaian lives and prevent Ebola from entering the country,” she said.

The deputy minister also announced plans to establish a health kiosk at the border.

The facility, she explained, would function as a standalone clinic equipped with a laboratory, solar power system, telemedicine capabilities and a sanitary waste disposal system to support rapid response efforts.

Dr Ayensu-Danquah disclosed that a similar assessment had been conducted at the Aflao border on Thursday, where officials also found preparedness measures to be satisfactory.

Responding to questions on regional collaboration, she said Ghana was working closely with neighbouring countries and international health agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Regional Office and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

She noted that Ebola remains a continental concern and requires coordinated action across Africa.

“This issue is not about Ghana alone. It is a continental issue. We are sharing information, equipment and health commodities so that together we can prevent Ebola,” she said.

Dr Ayensu-Danquah commended officials at the Elubo border for their efforts and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s disease surveillance and response systems.

“Health is wealth and health is everything. As long as we can keep our people healthy, the country will prosper,” she added.







MRA/VPO

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