Health minister urges vigilance over crucial 30% to 50% Ebola mortality risk

Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has warned that Ebola can kill between 30 and 50 per cent of infected persons, urging Ghanaians to report symptoms immediately instead of assuming they have malaria.

Speaking on JoyNews' AM Show on June 2, 2026, Akandoh cautioned that delays in seeking treatment could prove fatal due to the highly infectious nature of the disease.

"Now, the mortality rate stands around 30 to 50 per cent, so it's high. And the reality at the moment is that we don't have a medication or a cure for it or a vaccine for it for now," he said.

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The minister urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as muscle pain, vomiting, unexplained bleeding, and headaches to visit the nearest health facility for testing.

"Don't sit home and say that I'm having body pains or muscle pains, and therefore conclude that it is malaria. It can only be concluded that it is malaria when a test confirms it," he stressed.

Akandoh also warned against complacency as Ghana steps up preparedness measures against a possible outbreak.

"I do not want us to sit aloof and not create the necessary awareness so that when we detect cases, we are not found wanting," he stated.

He further called for a return to strict hygiene protocols, urging organisers of public events to provide handwashing facilities as part of efforts to prevent any potential spread of the disease.

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