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How Ghana Is Working With WHO and CDC to Stop Hantavirus Before It Arrives

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No cases have been recorded on its soil, but Ghana is not waiting for Hantavirus to arrive.

Instead, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has activated a multi-layered response in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), following a deadly outbreak on a cruise ship docked in Cape Verde.

The outbreak, which as of May 7, 2026, has infected at least eight people, with five confirmed cases and three deaths, has triggered global concern. The affected vessel carried crew members primarily from the Philippines and passengers from the United States, Europe, South America, Australia, and parts of Asia.

Although the WHO and CDC have assessed the overall global public health risk as low, both agencies have advised nations to strengthen surveillance and preparedness. Ghana has responded by turning that advice into action.

A Coordinated International Response

At the heart of Ghana’s strategy is a three-part partnership: the WHO provides global epidemiological data and technical guidance; the CDC supplies risk assessment frameworks and laboratory protocols; and the Ghana Health Service executes on-the-ground measures tailored to the country’s ports, health facilities, and communities.

“The WHO and CDC, after risk assessment, have indicated that the overall global public health risk remains low. However, countries have been advised to strengthen surveillance and preparedness systems,” the GHS noted in its official press statement (published further down in this story).

Ghana has taken that advisory as a mandate for immediate action.

The Ministry of Health and the GHS are now collaborating with international partners, including the WHO and global disease surveillance networks, to ensure timely sharing of information. This real-time data exchange allows Ghana to adjust its protocols as the situation in Cape Verde evolves.

On the Ground: Enhanced Surveillance at All Ports of Entry

Ghana’s first line of defense is its Port Health Division. Enhanced surveillance has been deployed at all ports of entry, including the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, as well as the seaports at Tema and Takoradi. Health officials are screening travelers for symptoms consistent with Hantavirus, fever, headache, muscle pain, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing.

The GHS has also directed health facilities nationwide to intensify monitoring and reporting of unusual respiratory illnesses. Any patient presenting with fever and breathing difficulties, especially with a travel history to Cape Verde or potential rodent exposure, will trigger an alert protocol.

Strengthening Laboratory and Response Capacity

Recognizing that a threat is only as manageable as the ability to detect it, Ghana is strengthening its laboratory systems and rapid response capacity. The GHS is working with WHO and CDC reference labs to ensure that any suspected sample can be tested quickly and accurately. While Hantavirus is not yet in Ghana, the infrastructure being reinforced will also benefit responses to other emerging pathogens.

Rapid response teams have been placed on standby, equipped with protective gear and trained in safe isolation and transport procedures. The GHS has assured citizens that the country’s disease surveillance systems remain “active and capable” of responding to any potential threat.

Public Education: Rodent Control and Hygiene

Because Hantavirus is transmitted mainly through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their droppings, urine, saliva, or contaminated surfaces, Ghana’s prevention strategy extends beyond ports and hospitals. The GHS is stepping up public education on sanitation and rodent control.

Residents are being advised to maintain proper hygiene, keep their surroundings clean, store food safely, dispose of waste properly, and avoid direct contact with rodents and their droppings. For those cleaning potentially contaminated areas, the use of protective gear—gloves, masks, and disinfectants—is strongly urged.

“Members of the public are advised to maintain proper hygiene, keep their surroundings clean, store food safely, dispose of waste properly, and avoid contact with rodents and their droppings,” the GHS statement stressed.

Why Ghana Is Not Waiting

Hantavirus is not new to science, but its appearance on a cruise ship in Cape Verde represents a novel pathway for regional spread. The virus does not transmit between humans easily; rather, it is typically acquired from rodent hosts. However, international travel and shipping can move infected rodents or contaminated materials across borders quickly.

Ghana’s proactive stance reflects lessons learned from past outbreaks, including Ebola and COVID-19. Waiting for a first case before activating full preparedness measures has proven costly elsewhere. By acting now, in partnership with the WHO and CDC, Ghana aims to ensure that “Hantavirus arrives” remains a hypothetical, not a headline.

Advice to the Public and Travelers

The GHS and Ministry of Health have urged the public to remain calm, avoid misinformation, and rely on official health updates. Travelers to Cape Verde or anyone returning from the region are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they develop fever or breathing difficulties, especially after possible rodent exposure.

For now, Ghana’s ports remain open, its health facilities are on alert, and its international partnerships are fully engaged. As the GHS put it: “No case of Hantavirus has been recorded in Ghana. Nonetheless, precautionary measures have been activated.”

That careful balance, vigilance without panic, action without alarm, defines Ghana’s approach to stopping Hantavirus before it arrives.

Ghana News

American Expats in Ghana Get a Helping Hand to Vote in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections

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With the 2026 U.S. midterm elections fast approaching, American citizens living in Ghana are receiving a timely boost to ensure their voices are heard from thousands of miles away.

The Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana is set to host a specialized voter registration and assistance event this weekend, designed to navigate the complexities of overseas voting.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at 2:00 PM (Ghana time) at Theia’s Coffee House in the Airport Residential Area of Accra. Volunteers will be on the ground to provide trained assistance, guiding participants through the process of registering to vote and requesting their absentee ballots. The organizers have set a goal to register at least 50 new overseas voters in a single afternoon.

“This is a crucial opportunity,” said Lenny Baer, a volunteer with the Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana. “Many US citizens often don’t realize they can vote from overseas. We can, and our votes help determine the outcome of elections across the US.”

Why This Outreach Matters

This initiative is part of a broader effort by Democrats Abroad, the official arm of the Democratic Party representing Americans living outside the United States . The organization operates a volunteer-run network with chapters on six continents, working to protect the voting rights of the estimated 9 million Americans living abroad .

While the event is hosted by Democrats Abroad, the organizers emphasize that it is open to all U.S. citizens living in Ghana, irrespective of political party affiliation . This nonpartisan approach to voter assistance is a core tenant of the organization’s mission, reflecting their commitment to helping any American facing voting challenges . Through their platform, VoteFromAbroad.org, they provide a public service that helps citizens register and participate in elections regardless of their political leanings .

Midterm elections historically see lower voter turnout than presidential elections, particularly among overseas voters who often face bureaucratic hurdles or are simply unaware of their eligibility . With all 435 House seats and approximately 36 Senate seats up for grabs in 2026, every single vote—including those from Accra—holds the potential to tip the balance of power in Congress .

How to Participate

For those unable to attend the event in person, organizers have confirmed that a virtual session will be held simultaneously . Interested voters can RSVP through the VoteFromAbroad.org platform to receive the online meeting link and receive the same level of one-on-one assistance in completing their ballot request forms.

Trained voting assistants will also be available to answer questions, help participants complete their Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)—the standard federal form needed to request a ballot—and ensure that their voting rights are protected .

For Americans in Ghana, this Saturday’s event is more than just a registration drive; it is a critical lifeline to the democratic process back home, ensuring that their geographic distance does not translate into political silence.

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Top Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026

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Monday, August 24, 2026 – Ghana’s front pages are dominated by a fierce political standoff over GoldBod’s massive financial losses, a significant government U-turn granting a lifeline to Adamus Resources, and a highly competitive race for NPP national executive positions ahead of the 2028 elections.

1. The GoldBod $1.7bn Loss Saga: War of Words Escalates
The Minority in Parliament is refusing to back down on the GoldBod losses, while the state gold company’s CEO faces intense scrutiny.

  • “No Distraction: Afenyo-Markin, Minority Sustain Heat …On $1.7bn Gold Loss” (Day Break), with The Daily Statesman stating “PERSONAL ATTACKS WON’T DISTRACT US.”
  • The Source reports “Sammy Gyamfi’s Extortion Claim False – Afenyo-Markin,” while The Inquisitor and The Daily Gist note the Minority Leader is “Threatening Legal Action” over the allegation.
  • The Informer headlines “Minority Hauls GoldBod CEO Before Parliament” over the controversy.
  • NewsCentra digs into the numbers, reporting “GH¢29.1bn Gold Losses In 4 Years – The role of GoldBod and BoG explained,” while The Custodian leads with “Minority Vows To Probe GH¢22bn Gold Trading Loss.”

2. Mahama Intervenes: The Adamus U-Turn
President John Dramani Mahama has stepped into the heated standoff between the Lands Ministry and Adamus Resources, granting the mining giant a 12-month reprieve.

  • Daily Democrat and The Insight lead with “Mahama Rescues Adamus Resources” / “Gives Adamus Reprieve.”
  • The Daily Banner and The Ghanaian Publisher frame this as a “Government Flip-Flop Questioned” or a “U-Turn.”
  • The Informer reports the President “Gives Company Amnesty To Operate Under New Arrangement.”

3. NPP Internal Elections: 50 Battle for Top Posts
The race for the NPP’s national executive positions is officially underway, drawing a massive field of candidates.

  • Daily Guide reports “50 Battle For NPP Top Posts,” while The Source and NewsCentra note “50 Aspirants Chase 11 Positions.”
  • The Chronicle and The Daily Gist report “Afoko Files Chairmanship Papers Morrow” (Tuesday).
  • In the Communications Director race, Daily Analyst and The Source report “Gordon Asare-Bediako withdraws from NPP Communications Race …Endorses Dennis Miracles Aboagye.”
  • Republic Press highlights the upcoming internal vote with “50 Battle For NPP National Executive Posts.”

4. Galamsey, Security, and Public Health

  • Daily Analyst leads with a tragic report: “Kakum Forest Reserve Wildlife Guard Shot Dead.”
  • The Daily Statesman reports “Galamsey destroys over 100 acres of farmland,” while The Informer quotes the Interior Minister vowing to “Get Tough!” on illegal mining.
  • On the health front, Daily Analyst and The Exclusive report Ghana’s plan to “Reverse 70% Medicine Imports Through 24-Hour Economy,” while Daily Democrat notes a “GMTF, Atlantic Lifesciences Partner to Cut Drug Costs.”

5. Economy, Banking, and Tax

  • Graphic Business leads with a major fiscal milestone: “Ghana now spends less than 20% on servicing debt.” This is supported by The Custodian, which reports “Ghana Signs €163m Debt Restructuring Deal With Belgium.”
  • B&FT highlights “Gov’t weighs lifting grain export ban …amid 70,000mt rice glut.” The paper also reports “Robust investor confidence in economy returns …local investments hit US$816m, FDIs US$2.62bn.”
  • Graphic Business also flags the “23 banks, one dollar, many prices” phenomenon, exposing varying FX costs across banks.

6. Judicial and Political Fallout

  • Republic Press reports the “Supreme Court clears way for legal vacation criminal trials …Dismisses Oppong Nkrumah’s injunction bid,” a ruling also confirmed by Daily Guide.
  • The Daily Gist reports a tragic cross-border incident: “Man Drowns While Helping Travellers Cross Ghana-Togo River.”

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Ghana News

Ghanaian Firms Inject €425,000 of Own Funds to Ignite ‘Made in Ghana’ Health Innovation

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In a powerful demonstration of local ownership, Ghanaian research institutions and pharmaceutical manufacturers are contributing an additional €425,000 of their own money to implement innovative health projects, signaling a robust commitment to advancing homegrown medical solutions beyond relying on foreign aid alone.

The co-funding is part of a €2 million grant package awarded under the PharmaVax Ghana program, backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU).

The initiative is designed to bridge the critical gap between scientific discovery and industrial-scale manufacturing within Ghana.

While the grants provide vital financial fuel, the local co-investment—which ranges from €10,000 to €150,000 across the eight winning projects—represents a crucial “skin in the game” approach.

It shows that local institutions are not merely passive recipients of aid, but active stakeholders willing to risk their own capital to bring products to the market. This practical commitment underscores the sustainability of the projects, ensuring they are not abandoned once international funding cycles end.

The projects span a wide range of medical priorities, including fast-dissolving oral tablets for child-friendly malaria treatment, AI-powered diagnostic tools for Mpox and malaria, standardized herbal treatments for hypertension and liver disease, and stability data for locally produced tetanus-diphtheria vaccines.

Highlighting the importance of this local participation, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), emphasized that the funds are meant to catalyze local capabilities.

“Ghana has the scientific talent, the research institutions and an increasingly capable pharmaceutical industry to develop health solutions that respond to our own priorities,” he stated. “By bringing these strengths together, we are creating the foundation for medicines and vaccines that are developed in Ghana, manufactured in Ghana, and have the potential to benefit the wider region.”

Ghana’s Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, echoed this sentiment, noting that the initiative marks a journey where researchers and manufacturers collaborate to transform scientific discoveries into life-saving products.

The €425,000 in local contributions—combined with the €2 million in grants and technical assistance from the EU and Germany—positions Ghana as a rising hub for pharmaceutical industrialization in West Africa, moving the nation closer to health security and economic self-reliance.

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