Ghana’s battle against Mpox has reached a critical stage, with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirming a total of 670 cases and three deaths since the outbreak began on May 15, 2025. In its latest update, the Service reported 13 new infections, bringing the nationwide tally to its current figure. The disease has now spread across all 16 regions and has been detected in about 100 districts, making it a truly national concern.
Despite the rising numbers, health officials have sought to reassure the public. Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director General of the GHS, urged calm, stating that “there was no cause for alarm as existing protocols for detecting, managing, and controlling infectious diseases were being rigorously followed” . His comments reflect the Service’s confidence in its surveillance systems, which remain active across the country. Regional health directorates have already activated public health measures, including contact tracing, to contain the spread.
The GHS has emphasized that the government is fully committed to protecting citizens, noting: “We have the capacity and expertise to manage this situation and prevent a larger outbreak”. This assurance comes as the Service works closely with the Ministry of Health to implement containment strategies. These include
strengthening diagnostic capacity, ensuring rapid case management, and intensifying public education campaigns. Mpox, a viral disease transmitted through close contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials, presents with symptoms such as rash, fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The GHS has advised the public to maintain strict hygiene practices, avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, and refrain from touching rashes or body fluids. Protective measures such as wearing masks, covering lesions until they heal, disinfecting shared spaces, and using saltwater rinses for oral sores have also been recommended.
The outbreak in Ghana is part of a wider continental challenge. In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern due to the emergence of a new variant in Africa. This marked the second time in two years that the WHO had issued such an alert for the disease. By the end of last year, the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 17,000 suspected cases and 517 deaths across the continent.
The WHO has since approved the use of an Mpox vaccine, which it says will facilitate “timely and increased access” for millions at risk, particularly in Africa where the latest outbreak has infected more than 20,000 people. This development is expected to play a crucial role in curbing the spread of the virus, though access and distribution remain pressing challenges.
For Ghana, the immediate priority remains containment and prevention. The GHS continues to stress the importance of community vigilance, urging citizens to report suspected cases promptly to the nearest health facility. The Service has also highlighted the need for protective gear when caring for sick individuals and warned against touching items in shared spaces without proper disinfection.
While the rising case numbers are concerning, the coordinated response by health authorities, coupled with international support, provides a measure of hope. The coming months will be decisive in determining whether Ghana can successfully manage the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.
The message from health officials is clear: vigilance, hygiene, and cooperation are essential in overcoming this public health challenge. As Professor Akoriyea noted, the systems are in place, but their effectiveness will depend on the collective responsibility of both institutions and individuals.
Source: Ghana News Agency – Ghana’s Mpox cases rise to 670 with three deaths
