Accra, 16 August 2025 — The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed 37 new cases of mpox across the country, raising the national caseload to 409 since the outbreak began earlier this year. Two patients are currently hospitalized in Accra, while others are being monitored under isolation protocols.
The Situation on the Ground
The Director-General of the GHS, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, disclosed the figures in a press briefing on Friday, noting that the majority of the new cases were reported in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern regions — areas already identified as hotspots.
“Mpox spreads primarily through close physical contact, skin-to-skin exposure, and contaminated materials. While the disease is rarely fatal, it can be very uncomfortable and can spread rapidly if not controlled. We are calling on the public to remain vigilant and seek care early when symptoms appear,” Dr. Kuma-Aboagye stressed.
The GHS explained that the most common symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and distinctive rashes or lesions. Officials emphasized that early treatment and supportive care greatly reduce complications.
Background of the Outbreak
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, was first detected in Ghana in 2022, following outbreaks in parts of West and Central Africa. Ghana, like many other countries, has struggled with sporadic cases since then.
In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox no longer a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern,” but warned that countries with weak surveillance systems, including those in Africa, remain vulnerable to flare-ups.
Ghana’s caseload of over 400 this year already exceeds the total reported cases in 2022, raising concerns about the ability of health systems to contain the spread.
Public Reactions and Concerns
News of the rising numbers has left many Ghanaians concerned. In some communities, rumors and stigma surrounding the disease have made it harder for patients to seek treatment.
Ama Mensah, a trader at the Makola Market in Accra, said she had heard conflicting information:
“Some people say it is like smallpox, others say it comes from animals. We don’t know what to believe, but we are afraid when we hear of new cases.”
Health experts say misinformation could fuel stigma, discourage early reporting, and worsen the spread. To counter this, the GHS is launching renewed public education campaigns through radio, TV, and community outreach.
International Perspective
The WHO has expressed support for Ghana’s containment efforts. Regional director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, has urged African governments to scale up surveillance and consider targeted vaccination of high-risk groups. A limited supply of vaccines is already available in some countries, but Ghana has yet to introduce mass vaccination.
What’s Next?
The Ghana Health Service says it is strengthening surveillance at hospitals and border entry points. Contact-tracing teams are also being mobilized in hotspot districts.
Dr. Kuma-Aboagye reassured the public that while the numbers are concerning, Ghana has the experience and systems in place to contain outbreaks.
“We successfully handled COVID-19 under very difficult circumstances. With cooperation from the public, we can manage mpox as well,” he said.
For now, the advice remains simple: practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms, and seek medical care early.
As the situation unfolds, the big question is whether Ghana can curb this outbreak before it spirals — and whether vaccines will be made available to protect the most vulnerable.