The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed that no cholera outbreak has been recorded in the country following the devastating floods of June 29, while urging the public to continue observing good sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
The assurance comes amid concerns that the widespread flooding, which left many communities covered in stagnant water, blocked drains and heaps of refuse, could create conditions for disease outbreaks.
Health authorities, however, say ongoing preventive measures are helping to reduce the risk.
As part of its response, the GHS has begun a nationwide disinfection and fumigation exercise in flood-affected communities after the government’s national clean-up campaign held on July 10 and 11.
The exercise is intended to eliminate harmful germs from public spaces and reduce the chances of cholera, typhoid and other sanitation-related diseases.
The clean-up campaign brought together government agencies, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, security services, sanitation companies, businesses and community members to remove waste, clear drains and restore cleanliness in affected areas.
Speaking during a disinfection exercise at Tema Station Market and the Adabraka Polyclinic on Saturday, July 11, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, said the country has so far avoided a cholera outbreak but warned against complacency.
According to him, preventing disease is more effective and less expensive than managing an outbreak after it occurs.
“Fortunately, as of now, we don’t have any registered cholera outbreak. But prevention is key. We don’t need to wait for an outbreak before acting. Treatment is extremely costly,” Dr. Akoriyea stated.
He explained that the ongoing disinfection campaign is being carried out in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly and sanitation company LCB Worldwide as part of broader efforts to safeguard public health after the floods.
Dr. Akoriyea noted that cleaning alone is not enough, stressing that disinfecting public areas is an essential step in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
The GHS has therefore encouraged residents, especially those in flood-affected communities, to maintain clean surroundings, practise proper hand hygiene, consume safe drinking water and promptly report any suspected symptoms of waterborne diseases to the nearest health facility.
