Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has reported on the ongoing cholera outbreak, which began over five months ago in October 2024 in Ada West in the Greater Accra Region, stating that as of February 13, 2025, the outbreak has spread to multiple regions, resulting in 6,145 recorded cases, 719 confirmed cases, and 49 deaths.
“Mr. Speaker, I must put on record that the current cholera outbreak began over 5 months ago – in October 2024 in Ada West in the Greater Accra Region,” said Akandoh in Parliament on Tuesday, February 18.
“Since the outset in October 2024, it has unfortunately spread to other districts in Greater Accra and four other regions, namely Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions.”
“As of 13th February 2025, we have recorded 6,145 cases, 719 confirmed cases, and unfortunately, forty-nine (49) deaths. In all, five regions have reported cases since the outbreak began. These are: Greater Accra, Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions.”
Despite the concerning statistics, the Health Minister highlighted some positive developments.
“It is worth noting that the situation is improving with active cases now concentrated in the Central Region only,” he stated.
He elaborated on the situation in the Central Region: “This region has been particularly affected by the current outbreak, with a significant number of cases reported in recent weeks. The districts of Agona West and Effutu have been particularly hard-hit. In the past week alone, these two districts reported 133 cases, twenty-three (23) admissions, and unfortunately two (2) deaths.”
However, Akandoh shared some encouraging news: “Despite the worrying situation in the Central Region, I bring encouraging news. New cholera cases are decreasing, and the districts of Agona West and Effutu, which were initially hard-hit, are now showing a decline in new cases.”
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As of February 16, the Central Region reported a total of 28 active cases on admission, with the distribution as follows:
– Effutu: 18 cases
– Cape Coast: 6 cases
– Agona West: 4 cases
“This positive shift is a testament to the relentless efforts of our healthcare workers and partners, who have been diligently implementing a robust response plan,” Akandoh emphasised.
“This plan includes heightened surveillance to swiftly identify and manage cases, strengthened laboratory capacity for accurate and timely diagnosis, and environmental assessments to pinpoint and address risk factors.
“We have also established cholera treatment centres and are conducting public awareness campaigns to educate communities. The strategic deployment of oral cholera vaccines in high-risk areas is further contributing to this positive trend.”
