The Ministry of Health has stepped up disease surveillance and emergency public health measures in flood-hit parts of Accra to prevent disease outbreaks.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh toured some of the worst-hit communities, including Circle VIP, Nii Boi Town Station and the Achimota-Alajo/Aloboshie area, to assess the impact of the flooding and supervise emergency health response efforts.

Following the inspection, the Minister directed the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to strengthen disease surveillance, expand community-based interventions and intensify public education on preventive health practices in all affected districts.

In a statement signed by the Ministry's spokesperson, Tony Goodman, the MoH said health workers have also been tasked with increasing public awareness on disease prevention through collaboration with the media, traditional and religious leaders, and educational institutions.

"A coordinated engagement has already been convened involving the Ghana Health Service, the Ambulance Service, Faith-based Service Delivery Agencies, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the Ministry of Local Government to address critical water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) concerns arising from the floods," the statement said.

The Ministry further urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to collaborate with health authorities to enforce environmental sanitation measures. It also directed food vendors to strictly observe food hygiene standards to minimise health risks.

Residents in affected communities have been advised to clear blocked drains, remove stagnant water and keep their surroundings clean to reduce the spread of waterborne and other communicable diseases. The Ministry also warned that flooding could force reptiles and other dangerous animals into residential areas and urged the public to remain vigilant.

The MoH assured the public that the situation remains under control and that measures have been implemented to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery. It further advised Ghanaians to drink safe water, wash their hands regularly with soap and water, eat thoroughly cooked food, seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop, and rely only on verified information from official sources.