The Ministry of Health (MoH) has raised concerns about a possible cholera outbreak in the wake of widespread flooding in Accra, highlighting how inadequate hygiene and sanitation during heavy downpours could accelerate the transmission of waterborne illnesses in impacted areas.
In an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, June 29, 2026, Ministry spokesperson Tony Goodman noted that health officials had launched public awareness efforts even before the rains began. He emphasized that flooded conditions create ideal circumstances for cholera to spread when basic hygiene practices are neglected.
“Even before the rain started, we had begun giving this information out, letting the people know that when we are flat, what follows is cholera,” Goodman said.
He expressed particular worry about residents who continue to dispose of waste directly into drains and water bodies during floods, calling the habit highly risky and a key factor in triggering disease outbreaks.
“We need to stop throwing garbage into our water bodies. But whenever there is a flood, that is when people think they can empty their dustbins and the rest,” he added.
Goodman confirmed that the Ghana Health Service is actively notifying district health teams to stay vigilant for early signs of cholera as part of broader preparedness measures. He added that monitoring for cholera and developing response strategies have become standard practice during the rainy season, given that the disease is endemic in the country.
“We prepare for it. If it’s a wet season, rainy season, we prepare for cholera. We are endemic,” he stated.The Ministry indicated it will keep ramping up public health advisories as long as flooding continues in various parts of the country.
