Ghana is grappling with a cholera outbreak that has spread across five regions, infecting more than 6,100 people and claiming 49 lives, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh told Parliament on Tuesday.
The outbreak, which began in October 2024 in Ada West in the Greater Accra Region, has since expanded to Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern regions, raising concerns over the country’s public health response.
“Mr. Speaker, I must put on record that the current cholera outbreak began over five months ago – in October 2024 in Ada West in the Greater Accra Region,” Mr Akandoh said.
“Since the outset in October 2024, it has unfortunately spread to other districts in Greater Accra and four other regions, namely Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions.”
Despite the alarming figures, health officials say the situation is beginning to improve.
“It is worth noting that the situation is improving with active cases now concentrated in the Central Region only,” Mr.Akandoh said.
The Central Region has been hit hardest in recent weeks, particularly in the districts of Agona West and Effutu. In the past week alone, these areas recorded 133 new cases, 23 hospital admissions, and two deaths.
“Despite the worrying situation in the Central Region, I bring encouraging news. New cholera cases are decreasing, and the districts of Agona West and Effutu, which were initially hard-hit, are now showing a decline in new cases,” Akandoh said.
As of February 16, there were 28 active cases in hospitals across the Central Region: Effutu, 18; Cape Coast, 6; and Agona West, 4.
The health minister credited the drop in cases to aggressive intervention measures, including increased surveillance, better laboratory testing, and community outreach programmes.
“This positive shift is a testament to the relentless efforts of our healthcare workers and partners, who have been diligently implementing a robust response plan,” he said.
“We have also established cholera treatment centres and are conducting public awareness campaigns to educate communities. The strategic deployment of oral cholera vaccines in high-risk areas is further contributing to this positive trend,” Akandoh added.
While health officials are optimistic, the government remains on high alert, monitoring the situation closely as efforts to curb the outbreak continue.
