Omanghana
Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of the Public Health Division at the GHS, emphasized that although floodwaters are beginning to recede in heavily affected areas such as Accra, the risk of waterborne disease remains high.
He made the remarks during an interview on 3FM’s Sunrise morning show on Wednesday, July 2, 2026.
Post-Flood Risks Remain High, GHS Warns
Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe cautioned that public complacency could worsen the health situation, noting that the danger does not end when visible flooding subsides.
He explained that waterborne diseases can continue to spread for days or even weeks after floods, as contaminated water and soil remain in the environment long after the rains stop.
He further highlighted that while many developed countries have largely eliminated cholera through reliable access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation systems, gaps in infrastructure continue to expose Ghana to seasonal outbreaks.
Rising Threat of Multiple Diseases
Beyond cholera, the GHS warned that stagnant floodwaters are creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria and other vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever and yellow fever.
Health officials say the combination of poor sanitation, stagnant water, and disrupted waste systems presents a serious public health challenge in flood-affected communities.
Public Health Directives
The Ghana Health Service, working alongside the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA Ghana), has issued a series of urgent safety guidelines aimed at reducing infection risks:
Frequent Handwashing:
Residents are strongly advised to wash their hands regularly with soap and clean running water, describing it as one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent cholera transmission.
Caution with Street Food:
The public is urged to avoid consuming food from open-air vendors, especially those operating near drainage systems or in areas recently affected by flooding.
Safe Food Preparation:
Households are encouraged to thoroughly wash raw fruits and vegetables using safe solutions such as salt or vinegar before consumption.
Early Medical Attention:
Citizens experiencing symptoms such as acute diarrhea or vomiting are advised not to self-medicate but to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility. The Ministry of Health has deployed surveillance teams across flood-hit districts to monitor and respond to potential outbreaks.
Ongoing Surveillance and Prevention Efforts
The GHS says it is intensifying disease surveillance and public education campaigns in affected regions to prevent a cholera outbreak and reduce the spread of other infectious diseases during the post-flood period.
Health authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant as environmental conditions stabilize in the wake of recent heavy rains.
Source: Omanghana
