Ghana re-introduces Ebola screening at Accra international airport

The Ministry of Health has introduced Ebola screening for all passengers arriving at Accra International Airport (KIA) in Accra following an outbreak of the disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in some African countries.

The new measures are aimed at preventing the possible importation and spread of Ebola in Ghana through international travel.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and signed by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ministry outlined a series of enhanced screening and surveillance measures to protect public health.

The Ministry emphasised that Ghana has not recorded any case of Ebola disease but said the precautionary measures were necessary to minimise the risk of transmission into the country.

Ebola Screening Introduced for All Passengers Arriving in Ghana

Under the new arrangements, all passengers arriving at Kotoka International Airport will undergo screening by Port Health officers.

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The screening process will include non-contact temperature checks, a review of passengers' Health Declaration Forms and an assessment of their travel history.

Passengers will also be required to complete a Health Declaration Form before travelling and truthfully disclose whether they have travelled to or transited through Ebola-affected countries within the previous 21 days.

They must also declare any close contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient or participation in funeral rites involving an Ebola-related case.

The Ministry explained that passengers who exhibit symptoms suggestive of Ebola or have recently travelled from affected countries will be referred for immediate secondary assessment and temporarily isolated for further evaluation.

Passengers from Ebola-Affected Countries to Undergo 21-Day Monitoring

The Ministry of Health has also introduced additional monitoring arrangements for passengers arriving from countries experiencing ongoing Ebola transmission.

Such passengers will be monitored for up to 21 days, with the Ghana Health Service contacting them for follow-up during the monitoring period.

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The measures are intended to strengthen disease surveillance and ensure that any potential symptoms are identified and addressed promptly.

Hotels and Hospitality Businesses Directed to Report Guests

As part of efforts to strengthen Ebola surveillance beyond the airport, the Ministry has directed businesses in the hospitality sector to report guests arriving from Ebola-affected countries to the nearest district health directorate.

Hotels and other hospitality facilities are also required to maintain records of all persons who access their premises while such guests are being hosted.

The directive forms part of the government's broader approach to monitoring potential exposure and reducing the risk of Ebola transmission within communities.

Ministry Issues Guidelines for Travellers and the Public

The Ministry has urged all arriving passengers to cooperate fully with Port Health officers and comply with the enhanced screening procedures.

Passengers are required to provide accurate travel and health information, follow screening instructions, practise frequent hand hygiene and immediately report any symptoms that may develop.

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The Ministry further warned that passengers who knowingly provide false information, conceal symptoms or refuse to comply with screening requirements will be subject to public health measures under Ghanaian law.

It also urged the public to rely on official updates from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service while avoiding the circulation of unverified information and rumours.

Ghana Strengthens Ebola Preparedness Following Africa CDC Meeting

The Ministry said the enhanced screening measures are consistent with commitments made at a recent Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) ministerial meeting on Ebola, which brought together all 55 African member states.

At the meeting, member states agreed to implement the preparedness measures discussed, strengthen cross-border and border-point surveillance, and keep borders open while investing in interventions to prevent the spread of the disease.

Ghana's latest measures form part of these continental efforts to strengthen preparedness, improve disease detection and protect populations against the potential spread of Ebola.

Although the country has not recorded any Ebola case, the Ministry says the enhanced surveillance arrangements are intended to minimise the risk of the disease entering Ghana through international travel.