The Ministry of Health has dismissed as false a report by South Africa's public broadcaster, SABC, claiming that Ghana has recorded thousands of Ebola cases and hundreds of deaths.

The erroneous report, which appeared on an SABC news ticker during one of its bulletins, claimed that Ghana's Ebola cases had risen to 2,300, with hundreds of deaths.

The misleading information sparked concern before it was later removed by the broadcaster.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the Ministry of Health categorically denied the claims, stressing that Ghana has not recorded any Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case.

"The Ministry of Health has taken notice of a false publication circulating on social media published by SABC news channel, claiming that 'Ghana's Ebola cases have risen to 2,300 with 930 deaths," the statement said.

The Ministry described the figures as entirely fabricated.

"The Ministry wishes to state unequivocally that Ghana has not recorded any case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The figures being circulated are false, misleading, and should be disregarded," the statement said.

Ghana Health Service condemns false Ebola outbreak report

The Ministry further explained that recent visits by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh to points of entry, laboratories and treatment facilities formed part of Ghana's routine preparedness measures to strengthen the country's ability to prevent and respond to potential public health emergencies and should not be interpreted as evidence of an Ebola outbreak.

"These proactive measures do not indicate an Ebola outbreak in Ghana. The Ministry urges the public to rely only on official information from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service and to avoid sharing unverified reports that may cause unnecessary fear and panic," the statement added.

The Ministry described the publication as false, irresponsible and malicious, emphasizing that Ghana remains free of any confirmed Ebola cases.

Following widespread criticism, SABC removed the inaccurate ticker from its broadcast. However, the broadcaster is yet to explain how the false information was aired or indicate whether it will issue a formal apology.

The incident comes as Ghana continues routine surveillance against viral haemorrhagic diseases, with health authorities maintaining monitoring systems at points of entry and health facilities to ensure the early detection and management of any suspected cases.

Public health experts have also cautioned that misinformation during disease outbreaks can undermine public confidence, trigger unnecessary panic and negatively affect travel, tourism and business, urging the public to rely only on verified information from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.

MRA/VPO

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