By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
The Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has announced plans to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response systems in the Ketu South Municipality through the deployment of additional health infrastructure, including health kiosks, as part of Ghana’s preparedness strategy against Ebola and other infectious disease outbreaks.
The announcement was made during her working visit to Aflao, where she inspected emergency preparedness facilities established by the Ketu South Health Directorate to safeguard Ghana’s busiest land border against potential disease importation.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness demonstrated by health authorities in the municipality and praised the specialized emergency response facility established within the border enclave.
According to her, the facility is among the most advanced and self-sufficient emergency health centers established to respond to outbreaks and public health emergencies.
“That clinic is very self-sufficient, and that is one of the solutions we are promoting. It has virtually everything needed to function independently during emergencies,” she stated.
The Deputy Minister explained that the facility is equipped with its own water supply system, power generation capabilities, sanitation infrastructure, and biomedical waste management systems, allowing uninterrupted operations during disease outbreaks and other emergencies.
She further revealed that the center is supported by a modern telemedicine and communication system that enables healthcare personnel in Ketu South to consult specialists across the country and internationally when necessary.
“The facility is self-sustaining. There is no need to rely heavily on external networks. Health workers can communicate directly with specialists in Accra, Ho, the Western Region, the Central Region, and even outside Ghana through the communication platform available at the center,” she explained.
According to Prof. Ayensu-Danquah, the technology will significantly improve diagnosis, treatment support, emergency consultations, and rapid response coordination during disease outbreaks.
As part of government’s broader healthcare strengthening agenda, the Deputy Minister disclosed that health kiosks are expected to be introduced in strategic communities within the municipality to improve access to healthcare services and support disease surveillance efforts. The proposed kiosks will serve as frontline community health access points where residents can receive basic healthcare, health education, disease screening, and referrals.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah emphasized that Ketu South occupies a unique position in Ghana’s public health security architecture due to the presence of the Aflao border, which serves as the country’s largest land entry point.
She noted that thousands of travelers cross the border daily, making effective surveillance systems essential in preventing the spread of communicable diseases.
“This facility will greatly enhance emergency preparedness in Ketu South. As the municipality hosts the largest land border in Ghana, it is important that we secure our land borders just as we secure our airports and seaports,” she said.
During the visit, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah also assured the Municipal Chief Executive for Ketu South, Nicholas K. Worclachie, that the Ministry of Health remains committed to strengthening health security and emergency preparedness within the municipality. She acknowledged Aflao’s strategic importance as Ghana’s largest land border and a major gateway into the country, stressing that government will continue to invest in surveillance systems, emergency response infrastructure, health kiosks, disease screening facilities, and trained personnel to protect residents and travelers alike. According to her, safeguarding Aflao and the entire Ketu South Municipality is not only a local responsibility but a national security and public health priority, given the volume of cross-border movement through the enclave.
Source News Volta
