Ghana has recorded eight deaths and more than 1,000 confirmed Mpox cases since a fresh outbreak of the disease began in May 2025, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has disclosed.
The minister made the revelation in Parliament while responding to a question from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin regarding the increasing spread of the disease across districts in the country.
According to Mr Akandoh, the government has activated a coordinated national response through the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, with support from development partners, to contain the outbreak and protect public health.
“As of March 3, 2026, Ghana has recorded 1,038 confirmed cases and eight deaths, largely among persons with underlying health conditions,” he said.
The minister added that only one patient is currently on admission, and there are no critical cases at the moment.
Mpox infections have been reported in 124 districts across all regions, representing 47.51 percent of districts nationwide. The Greater Accra and Western Regions have recorded the highest number of cases.
Mr Akandoh explained that the government’s response includes enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and a 21-day follow-up system to monitor potential infections.
Laboratory testing is ongoing at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research.
He added that authorities have strengthened case management, infection prevention and control measures, while intensifying public education campaigns through community leaders, civil society groups, and the media.
On vaccination efforts, the minister said reactive vaccination campaigns are being carried out in hotspot areas targeting high-risk contacts.
Ghana has received 33,600 Mpox vaccine doses from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). So far, 31,231 people in 12 districts across the Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Western Regions have been vaccinated, representing over 95 percent of the target population.
Mr Akandoh also assured that the government is covering all medical costs related to Mpox treatment, ensuring that patients do not bear the financial burden.
“Our priority remains protecting the health of Ghanaians and ensuring that anyone affected receives the necessary care without cost,” he said.
