The Ministry of Health has issued a warning regarding a possible cholera outbreak in the wake of recent flooding, indicating that inadequate sanitation practices during heavy rainfall could greatly enhance the transmission of waterborne diseases within affected communities.
Tony Goodman, the spokesperson for the Ministry, stated in an interview on Monday, June 29, 2026, that health authorities had initiated public education campaigns before the onset of the rains, emphasising that flooding conditions frequently create a high-risk environment for cholera transmission if appropriate hygiene practices are not maintained.
“You know, even before the rain started, we had begun giving this information out, letting the people know that when we are flat, what follows is cholera,” he said.
He cautioned that some residents persist in disposing of waste into water bodies during floods, a practice he characterised as hazardous and a significant contributor to disease outbreaks.
“We need to stop throwing garbage into our water bodies. But whenever there is a flood, that is when people think they can empty their dustbins and the rest,” he added.
Mr. Goodman mentioned that the Ghana Health Service has also commenced sending alerts to districts to monitor early signs of cholera as part of their emergency preparedness initiatives.
He noted that cholera surveillance and response planning have become standard elements of seasonal health planning, particularly during the rainy season.
“We prepare for it. If it’s a wet season, rainy season, we prepare for cholera. We are endemic,” he stated.
The Ministry has indicated that it continues to enhance public health messaging as flooding continues in various regions of the country.
