Ghana Records Eight Deaths, Over 1,000 Mpox Cases Since May 2025 – Health Minister
Ghana has recorded eight Mpox-related deaths and over 1,000 confirmed cases since May 2025, with vaccination campaigns and public health measures helping to curb the outbreak.
- Ghana has recorded 1,038 confirmed Mpox cases and eight deaths since the outbreak began in May 2025, affecting 124 districts nationwide.
- Over 31,000 high-risk individuals have been vaccinated, achieving more than 95% coverage in targeted districts, while surveillance, contact tracing, and community engagement continue.
- The government covers all medical and burial costs for affected individuals, ensuring patient care is free and reinforcing Ghana’s health security measures.
Ghana has recorded eight deaths and over 1,000 confirmed cases of Mpox since a fresh outbreak began in May 2025, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh disclosed in Parliament.
The minister was responding to questions from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin regarding the rising number of cases reported across more than 120 districts nationwide.
“Since the outbreak began in May 2025, the Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service and partner support, has activated a coordinated multi-sectoral response to interrupt transmission and protect public health,” Mr. Akandoh said.
As of 3rd March 2026, Ghana has recorded 1,038 confirmed cases and eight deaths, primarily among persons with underlying health conditions. Only one case is currently admitted, with no critical cases reported. He noted that 124 districts across all regions—representing 47.51% of the country—have reported cases, with the Greater Accra and Western Regions most affected.
The Health Minister highlighted that the response includes strengthened coordination, emergency operations, intensive surveillance, and 21-day contact tracing follow-ups. Laboratory testing continues at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research. Case management, infection prevention, and community engagement have been intensified in collaboration with civil society, community leaders, and the media.
On vaccination efforts, Mr. Akandoh reported that 33,600 Mpox vaccines received from the Africa CDC and WHO have been administered to 31,231 people in 12 districts across the Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Western Regions, achieving over 95% coverage among the target population.
He reassured the public that medical bills for patient care during the outbreak are covered by the government, ensuring no cost to affected individuals.
“The interventions are yielding results. While sporadic cases have been recorded over the past two months, the overall trend shows a significant decline following the introduction of vaccination,” Mr. Akandoh stated.
He urged Parliament to continue supporting the response, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening health security and providing accurate information to the public.
