Ghana has recorded four confirmed cases of mpox disease, with cases reported in the Greater Accra and Western regions. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has activated public health protocols and intensified surveillance efforts to prevent further spread.
The GHS confirmed in a circular dated May 18th, 2025, that three of the mpox disease cases were recorded in the Greater Accra Region, while one case was reported in the Western Region.
Dr. Caroline Reindorf-Amissah, Deputy Director General of the GHS, speaking on the measures taken to contain the disease, said they are following up on the cases. “We know who they live with, and we are following up these persons to see if they will develop any of the symptoms that they have talked about.”
She emphasized the need for vigilance due to the broad range of symptoms noting that the symptoms of the MPox disease are common to a lot of illnesses. “So for mpox, we know that people may take some of these for granted,” she noted.
She urged the public to pay attention to rashes and accompanying symptoms. “As soon as you see a rash develop on your face, your extremities, or anywhere that you haven’t seen before… together with other symptoms… your mind should be alerted to the fact that this could be mpox,” she said.
Dr. Reindorf-Amissah further explained that the symptoms do not occur in any particular order.
Containment Measures and Public Support
Dr. Reindorf-Amissah affirmed that the disease is largely being contained. She said the service has activated all public health measures, including the sensitization of staff.
The GHS continues to educate the public, encouraging early reporting and responsible behavior. “If people have these and they sit home or they do not report, then it makes it difficult for us to be able to test and confirm if, indeed, they have mpox or not,” she said.
Dr. Reindorf-Amissah also highlighted hygiene as a major preventive measure. “We need to make sure that we are washing our hands constantly with soap and water.”
She further advised individuals with symptoms to cover exposed areas while seeking help in order not to put others at risk. She emphasized that the presence of symptoms like scars and rashes should not lead to stigma.
“We don’t want to stigmatize anybody with any scar or whatever. When all these things come together… even then, we are not to be stigmatized. You have to be supported to get help.”
The Ghana Health Service continues to call for public cooperation to ensure prompt detection, reporting, and treatment of mpox disease cases across the country.
