Ghana is facing one of its most severe cholera outbreaks in recent years, prompting the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to launch a mass vaccination campaign in Accra. The initiative, which begins today, aims to immunize over 300,000 residents in the capital in an urgent bid to curb the spread of the deadly disease.
The outbreak has already resulted in over 4,000 reported cases across five regions—Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, Ashanti, and Western—leading to growing concerns among health officials and the general public. Tragically, the epidemic has claimed more than 40 lives, and authorities fear the numbers could rise if urgent measures are not taken to contain the disease.
Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads primarily through contaminated food and water. It causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, which, if left untreated, can lead to death within hours. Health officials attribute the current outbreak to poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean drinking water, and unsafe food handling practices.
Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “We cannot afford to lose more lives. The oral cholera vaccine is one of the most effective tools available to us in the short term. It will help reduce infections in high-risk areas while we work on long-term solutions to address the root causes of these outbreaks.”
The vaccination campaign is targeting densely populated communities and informal settlements, where access to potable water and proper sanitation facilities is extremely limited. These areas have been identified as hotspots for the spread of cholera due to the lack of adequate drainage, improper waste disposal, and reliance on contaminated water sources.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has called for full cooperation from the public to ensure the success of the vaccination drive. “Prevention is our best defense,” he emphasized. “While we are taking steps to improve sanitation infrastructure, the vaccine offers immediate protection. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this exercise and protect themselves and their families.”
The Ministry of Health has assured Ghanaians that the vaccines are safe, effective, and available free of charge. Officials have deployed trained health workers to administer the vaccine through community outreach programs, mobile clinics, and designated vaccination centers. Residents are being urged to take the vaccine as a preventive measure, particularly those in high-risk areas.
Public health experts warn, however, that vaccination alone is not a permanent solution to cholera outbreaks. Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at GHS, stressed the importance of sustained interventions beyond the current crisis. “Vaccines provide immediate relief, but unless we address the fundamental issues—such as access to clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and improved hygiene practices—cholera will continue to resurface. A comprehensive approach is necessary to eliminate this threat permanently,” he stated.
The government has therefore intensified efforts to improve sanitation nationwide. Local authorities have been directed to step up waste management activities, enforce hygiene regulations, and ensure that markets, food vendors, and public spaces comply with sanitation standards. Additionally, authorities are working on expanding access to safe drinking water, particularly in urban slums and rural communities where clean water is scarce.
International organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, have stepped in to support Ghana’s cholera response efforts. WHO Country Representative Dr. Francis Kasolo has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to assisting Ghana in its fight against the outbreak. “The government’s swift response is commendable, but more work needs to be done. WHO is ready to support Ghana with medical supplies, risk communication, and disease surveillance to ensure an effective containment strategy,” he said.
In addition to vaccination, the government is ramping up a nationwide public health education campaign to encourage safe hygiene practices. Officials are using radio, television, and social media to spread messages about handwashing with soap, safe food handling, and the importance of drinking only clean water. Community leaders have also been engaged to help raise awareness and encourage compliance with health guidelines.
Despite these efforts, the outbreak has placed immense pressure on Ghana’s healthcare system, with hospitals and clinics struggling to accommodate the influx of cholera patients. Doctors and nurses working on the frontline report that dehydration-related complications are the most common cases they encounter. In response, health authorities have set up emergency treatment centers in affected regions to provide rapid medical care and prevent unnecessary deaths.
Dr. Akosua Osei, a medical officer at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, explained the challenges faced by healthcare workers. “We are seeing a high number of severe cases, and our facilities are stretched thin. Many of the patients arriving at the hospital are already critically dehydrated. It is crucial for people to seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms rather than waiting until the condition becomes life-threatening.”
The cholera outbreak has also affected businesses and daily life, particularly in urban centers. Markets, schools, and workplaces have been advised to improve sanitation and hygiene practices to reduce the risk of transmission. Food vendors, in particular, have come under scrutiny, with authorities conducting inspections to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
Meanwhile, residents in affected areas have expressed concerns about the availability of clean water and improved sanitation. Many argue that without access to these basic necessities, cholera will remain a recurring threat. “We need long-term solutions, not just temporary fixes,” said Afia Mensah, a trader in Accra. “Every time there is an outbreak, the government takes action, but after some time, things go back to the way they were. We need permanent changes.”
As Ghana battles to contain the outbreak, the collaboration between government agencies, health professionals, international partners, and the general public remains crucial. Authorities are hopeful that with coordinated efforts, the spread of cholera can be brought under control and future outbreaks prevented.
Residents are urged to report any symptoms of cholera—such as severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration—to the nearest health facility immediately. Health officials have assured the public that emergency response teams are on high alert, ready to provide swift medical intervention and contain further transmission.
Ghana has faced cholera outbreaks before, but with renewed focus on preventive measures, improved healthcare response, and strengthened sanitation policies, the country aims to minimize the impact of this epidemic and protect the lives of its citizens. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how effectively the outbreak is managed and whether the country can prevent future recurrences of this deadly disease.
