In November 2025, Ghana took a decisive step in strengthening its public health infrastructure with the inauguration of a new Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). This facility, located in Pantang in the Greater Accra Region, represents not just a national milestone but a continental beacon of preparedness. The launch was marked by a collective pledge from stakeholders to ensure that Ghana—and by extension the African region—remains ready to detect, respond to, and prevent future public health threats.
The Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, described the centre as a “significant step forward” in Ghana’s public-health architecture. His words captured the essence of what this facility means for the country: a transition from reactive measures to a more proactive, data-driven system. He emphasized, “We have already been responding to outbreaks, but this centre will deepen our ability to make data-driven, science-backed decisions.” This statement reflects the shift toward evidence-based policymaking, where real-time surveillance and rapid-response planning are not just aspirations but operational realities.
The EOC is designed to serve as the national hub for monitoring and coordinating responses to health emergencies. Its strategic location in Pantang allows it to function as a nerve centre for real-time surveillance, rapid-response planning, and cross-border coordination. The Minister made clear that the vision extends beyond Ghana’s borders: “The coordination will not stop at our borders. It will link us with neighbouring countries and the wider continent, ensuring a unified response to any health emergency.” This continental outlook is crucial, given the transnational nature of epidemics such as cholera, Marburg virus, Lassa fever, and meningitis, which have historically affected multiple countries simultaneously.
Africa CDC has been instrumental in supporting Ghana’s health security efforts. Over the past two years, the organization has provided laboratory equipment, trained frontline health workers, and supported research and surveillance activities. Hon. Akandoh acknowledged this contribution, noting, “Their support has been instrumental in getting this centre operational.” This partnership highlights the importance of regional collaboration in building resilient health systems. The centre is not an isolated national project but part of a broader African agenda for emergency preparedness.
Representing the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe affirmed Ghana’s commitment to building a coordinated and rapid-response system capable of tackling recurring outbreaks. He explained that while Ghana’s health system has demonstrated agility in detecting and responding to disease threats, its effectiveness is maximized only within a well-structured and collaborative framework. “The establishment of the EOC aligns Ghana with the broader African agenda for strengthened emergency preparedness,” he said. His words remind us that preparedness is not just about infrastructure but about systems, coordination, and shared responsibility.
Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe also recalled that two years ago, Africa CDC conducted a comprehensive assessment of Ghana’s emergency response infrastructure. That assessment revealed persistent gaps in staffing, equipment, and standardized operating procedures. In response, Africa CDC committed to providing technical assistance and supporting the procurement of essential tools to expand the centre’s operational capacity. This history demonstrates that the EOC is not a sudden development but the culmination of years of evaluation, planning, and investment. It is a product of lessons learned from past epidemics and a determination to avoid repeating mistakes.
The significance of this centre becomes clearer when viewed against Ghana’s experience with multiple epidemics. Outbreaks of cholera, Marburg virus, Lassa fever, and meningitis have tested the resilience of the health system. Each of these diseases carries unique challenges, from the rapid spread of cholera in urban areas to the high fatality rates of Marburg virus. Ghana’s ability to respond has often depended on ad hoc measures and international support. The EOC promises to change this dynamic by institutionalizing preparedness and ensuring that responses are coordinated, timely, and effective.
The launch event was not just ceremonial but symbolic of a collective commitment. Stakeholders pledged to work together to ensure that Ghana and the wider African region remain ready to detect, respond to, and prevent future public-health threats. This pledge reflects a recognition that health security is a shared responsibility. Epidemics do not respect borders, and neither should preparedness. The EOC embodies this philosophy by linking Ghana’s efforts with those of neighbouring countries and regional partners.
Hon. Akandoh’s reminder that “setting up the centre was only the first step; it is now our responsibility to keep it running and ensure it fulfills its purpose” is particularly important. Infrastructure alone does not guarantee preparedness. Sustaining the centre’s work will require continuous investment, oversight, and commitment. It will demand that the GHS Director-General’s office and other stakeholders remain vigilant, ensuring that the centre does not become a symbolic structure but a functional hub of activity.
The broader implications of Ghana’s EOC extend beyond health. Public health emergencies often have economic, social, and political consequences. A cholera outbreak can disrupt communities, a meningitis epidemic can strain hospitals, and a Marburg virus scare can affect trade and travel. By strengthening its emergency response capacity, Ghana is also protecting its economy, its social fabric, and its political stability. The EOC is therefore not just a health investment but a national security asset.
“ With the support of Africa CDC and our regional partners, we are confident that our EOC will become a model for the continent ”
This confidence is well-founded. Ghana has often been a leader in public health initiatives, from vaccination campaigns to disease surveillance. By hosting this centre, Ghana positions itself as a continental model, demonstrating what is possible when national commitment meets regional collaboration.
The story of Ghana’s new Public Health Emergency Operations Centre is one of vision, partnership, and responsibility. It is a story of a country that has faced epidemics, learned from them, and chosen to invest in preparedness. It is a story of regional collaboration, where Africa CDC and Ghana Health Service work hand in hand to build resilience. And it is a story of hope, where stakeholders pledge to ensure that Ghana and Africa remain ready for whatever public health threats the future may bring.
As the continent continues to grapple with recurring and emerging health challenges, Ghana’s EOC stands as a reminder that preparedness is not optional but essential. It is a reminder that health security requires investment, collaboration, and vigilance. And it is a reminder that when nations work together, they can build systems that protect lives, economies, and futures.
Source: Ghana launches New Public Health Emergency Operations Centre – Ghana News Online
