The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, have arrived in Wa, Upper West Region, to support efforts in controlling the meningitis outbreak.

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As part of their visit, they will meet with key leaders, including the Regional Minister and the Wa Naa, the traditional ruler of the area.

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The minister will also travel to the Nadowli Kaleo District to speak with the District Coordinating Director.

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He is expected to visit the district hospital, where meningitis patients are being treated, interact with the hospital staff, and hand over essential medicines to aid in managing the disease.

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Speaking to the media on February 12, 2025, in Wa, Akandoh stated: "I am excited about the enthusiasm of the health professionals on the ground. I think that if we encourage them, they will do a better job. Sometimes, in situations like this, by the time you get to the ground, the health professionals are already exhausted. But I’m happy about their energy and enthusiasm."

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The health officials are in the region to check the situation themselves, improve how they respond, and find better ways to stop meningitis from spreading.

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By Sunday, February 9, 2025, there were 23 suspected meningitis cases in the Upper West Region, and four people had died.

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Three districts, Nadowli, Nandom and Jirapa were already on high alert during the week.

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Wa West and Sissala East also reported new cases, increasing the number of affected districts to eight.

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Meningitis is a serious disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is a major health concern worldwide and spreads more during the dry season, especially in northern Ghana.

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Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) continues to be a big health issue in Ghana, with up to 10 out of every 100 confirmed cases resulting in death each year.

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Northern Ghana is part of an area known as the "meningitis belt," where outbreaks happen more often.

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Health officials are advising people to go to the hospital as soon as they notice symptoms since early treatment can save lives.

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