Accra: The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed that no cholera cases have been reported since the June 29 floods, although the threat of waterborne disease outbreaks still looms large. This was disclosed by Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the GHS, during a disinfection exercise at the Tema Station Market and Adabraka Polyclinic. The event was organized in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly and sanitation partner LCB Worldwide.
According to Ghana Web, the disinfection exercise is part of broader public health measures instigated by President John Dramani Mahama, who called for a nationwide clean-up initiative to rehabilitate areas affected by the flooding. The floods had left behind large amounts of waste, clogged drains, and stagnant water, which raised concerns about potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
Dr. Akoriyea emphasized the importance of preventive measures, stating, “Fortunately, as of now, we do not have any registered cholera outbreak. But prevention is key. We do not need to wait for an outbreak before acting. Treatment is extremely costly.” He also highlighted that merely clearing waste is insufficient and that disinfection is crucial to minimizing health risks. “After cleaning, the next step is disinfection and fumigation to avoid outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and other illnesses,” he added.
The two-day national clean-up exercise, conducted on July 10 and 11, 2026, mobilized government institutions, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), security agencies, businesses, and local residents. Together, they worked to remove waste and desilt drains in the communities affected by the floods. These efforts are aimed not only at addressing immediate health concerns but also at reducing the risk of future flooding and possible disease outbreaks.