The Ministry of Health has dismissed as false a report by South Africa’s public broadcaster, SABC, claiming that Ghana has recorded thousands of Ebola cases and 930 deaths.
According to the false report broadcasted by South Africa’s public broadcaster, SABC, they claimed Ghana had recorded 2,300 Ebola cases and 930 deaths.
The information, which circulated during one of the broadcaster’s news bulletins, suggested that Ebola infections in Ghana were rising.
The misleading information, which appeared on the broadcaster’s news ticker, caused concern before it was later removed.
Health officials insist Ghana has not recorded any Ebola outbreak and are urging the public to disregard the report.
The Health Minister in a release on Tuesday, July 21 debunked the claims by SABC.
The information, which circulated during one of the broadcaster’s news bulletins, suggested that Ebola infections in Ghana were rising.
But health officials in Ghana say the report is completely false.
Officials familiar with the matter describe the publication as false, irresponsible and malicious, stressing that Ghana has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case.
‘‘The Ministry of Health has taken notice of a false publication circulating on social media published by SABC news channel, claiming that “Ghana’s Ebola cases have risen to 2,300 with 930 deaths.
“The Ministry wishes to state unequivocally that Ghana has not recorded any case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The figures being circulated are false, misleading, and should be disregarded,” the statement noted.
According to the statement, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh recently visited the points of entry, laboratories, and treatment facilities as part of Ghana’s routine preparedness efforts to strengthen the country’s readiness to prevent and respond to any potential public health emergency.
“These proactive measures do not indicate an Ebola outbreak in Ghana. The Ministry urged the public to rely only on official information from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service and to avoid sharing unverified reports that may cause unnecessary fear and panic,” the statement read.
Following the backlash, SABC removed the ticker from its broadcast. The network is yet to explain how the erroneous information was aired or whether it will issue a formal apology.
The false report comes at a time when Ghana remains on alert as part of routine preparedness against viral haemorrhagic diseases.
Health authorities continue surveillance at points of entry and across health facilities to ensure early detection of any suspected case.
Public health experts warn that misinformation during disease outbreaks can fuel unnecessary fear, damage public confidence and even affect travel, tourism and business.
They are urging the public to rely only on verified information from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service and to avoid sharing unconfirmed reports on social media.
By Sarah Apenkroh
