The Minority in Parliament has raised alarm over Ghana’s potential to face a severe cholera epidemic before the incoming administration assumes office in January. They have called on the outgoing Akufo-Addo government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent the situation from escalating further.
According to the Minority, as of December 17, 2024, the Western Region alone has recorded 123 cholera cases, with 15 deaths reported. The outbreak has also affected 15 health workers who contracted the disease while treating patients, underscoring the dire state of the public health emergency.
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee, voiced the concerns of the Minority during a press briefing in Accra on Friday. Akandoh criticized what he described as gross negligence by the government in addressing the outbreak, which he claims has exposed the weaknesses in Ghana’s healthcare system.
Akandoh argued that the government’s failure to act decisively in the face of the crisis mirrors the inaction and inefficiencies that led to the electoral defeat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He emphasized that the stakes are now much higher, with the lives of citizens hanging in the balance.
“Without immediate and decisive interventions, Ghana risks facing a full-blown cholera epidemic before the incoming administration takes over from the outgoing NPP regime,” Akandoh warned.
He expressed disappointment that what initially appeared to be a minor outbreak has escalated into a significant public health crisis, blaming the escalation on systemic neglect and inefficiency within the healthcare system. According to Akandoh, the situation could have been contained weeks ago if the government had allocated adequate resources and paid attention to the warnings from health professionals.
The Minority has called on the government to allocate emergency resources to combat the outbreak and ensure that frontline health workers receive the support they need to perform their duties effectively. Akandoh stressed that without this support, the already fragile healthcare system could crumble under the weight of the epidemic, leaving thousands more at risk.
In addition to immediate intervention, the Minority is urging the government to ensure that cholera prevention measures, such as providing access to clean water and sanitation, are prioritized. These measures, according to Akandoh, are fundamental to containing the spread of the disease.
The outbreak, which began in November, has already exposed serious gaps in Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure. Health facilities in affected areas are reportedly overwhelmed, with many unable to meet the demand for essential medicines and equipment. Health workers, who are already stretched thin, face increased risks due to inadequate protective gear and resources.
The Minority is not alone in expressing concern. Civil society organizations and healthcare advocates have also criticized the government for its perceived lack of urgency in addressing the outbreak. They argue that the delay in responding to the crisis has allowed the disease to spread rapidly, particularly in vulnerable communities with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation.
Akandoh also used the platform to highlight the broader implications of the outbreak, pointing out that it reflects a deeper crisis within Ghana’s public health system. He noted that the cholera outbreak should serve as a wake-up call for the incoming administration to prioritize healthcare reforms and strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies.
As the country transitions to a new administration, Akandoh expressed hope that lessons from this crisis will be taken seriously. He emphasized the importance of holding the outgoing government accountable for its actions—or lack thereof—during this critical period. He warned that any further delays in addressing the outbreak could result in preventable loss of lives and long-term damage to the healthcare system.
The Minority’s call to action comes at a time when Ghana is facing multiple challenges, including economic difficulties and political tensions following the December general elections. Despite these challenges, Akandoh believes that addressing the cholera outbreak should be treated as a top priority, as it directly impacts the lives and well-being of citizens.
The cholera outbreak has brought to light the urgent need for systemic changes in Ghana’s healthcare delivery. It has also sparked broader conversations about the role of government in ensuring the health and safety of its citizens, particularly in times of crisis.
Akandoh ended his address with a plea to the outgoing administration, urging them to demonstrate leadership and responsibility during this transitional period. He called on President Nana Akufo-Addo and his team to act with urgency to save lives and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
The next few weeks will be critical in determining the trajectory of the cholera outbreak. The government’s response—or lack thereof—will not only influence the immediate outcomes of the crisis but also shape public perceptions of its legacy. As the country looks to the future, the hope is that swift and decisive action will be taken to bring the outbreak under control and prevent further loss of life.
