Ghana Records First Mpox Fatality Amid Sharp Rise in Infections

Ghana has confirmed its first death from Mpox as the country faces a significant surge in infections, according to health officials on Sunday. The West African nation reported 23 new cases over the past week, raising the total number of confirmed infections to 257 since the virus was first identified in June 2022.

This marks the highest weekly increase since the beginning of the outbreak and represents the first recorded fatality linked to the virus in Ghana.

Government Response and Outlook

Ghana’s Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, assured the public that the situation remains under control.

“The key to limiting this outbreak is early detection and responsible behaviour,”
— Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Health Minister

A national public health agency is expected to receive Mpox vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO) within the week.

Dr Franklyn Asiedu-Bekoe, a director within the Ghana Health Service, stated:

“Our at-risk populations have already been identified, and we are ready to roll out vaccination as soon as doses arrive.”

What is Mpox?

Previously known as Monkeypox, Mpox is a viral infection similar to smallpox. It causes:

• Fever
• Muscle and body aches
• Distinctive skin lesions

The disease is primarily spread through close physical contact with infected persons or contaminated materials. Though often self-limiting, it can prove fatal in severe cases or for immunocompromised individuals.

Ghana’s Mpox Summary

Broader Regional Impact

The outbreak in Ghana reflects a wider regional crisis. Across West and Central Africa, Mpox continues to spread rapidly, overwhelming healthcare systems. Notable figures include:

• Sierra Leone:
  • 3,350 cases (January–May 2025)
  • 16 deaths
• DR Congo, Uganda, Burundi:
  • Thousands more cases reported

According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC):

WHO Response and Global Concern

In light of the spike in West African cases, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently reiterated that Mpox remains an international health emergency. The global health body continues to monitor outbreaks and coordinate vaccine delivery and public health responses across affected countries.

As Ghana gears up for its vaccine rollout and contact tracing operations, the country’s health infrastructure is being tested once again—this time by an emerging viral threat with regional implications and international concern.