Ghana Makes Health Declaration Mandatory for All Arriving Travellers From November 12

Every traveller arriving in Ghana will be required to complete an online Health Declaration Form before departure under a new directive taking effect Thursday, November 12, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced.

The measure, contained in a press release dated November 7 and signed by Director-General Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, applies to all passengers travelling into the country regardless of nationality or point of origin . Travellers must submit the form through the GHS electronic portal at https://ehds.ghs.gov.gh/declaration before embarking on their journey.

The GHS said the requirement is intended to strengthen public health surveillance and preparedness, improve monitoring of potential health risks, and safeguard the well-being of residents and visitors .

Rooted in Ebola Preparedness

The mandatory declaration forms part of a broader package of enhanced health screening measures introduced in response to an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in parts of Africa. Although Ghana has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, health authorities announced on November 3 that all arriving passengers at international airports would undergo screening including non-contact temperature checks, review of health declarations, and assessment of travel history .

The electronic form itself is structured in six stages, covering personal information, travel details including countries visited or transited through in the previous 21 days, a health questionnaire on symptoms and potential Ebola exposure, accommodation details in Ghana, and a final declaration . Upon submission, travellers receive a QR code that must be presented to Port Health officers upon arrival. Children under 12 must have their declaration completed by a parent or legal guardian .

The portal is available in English and also provides guidance in French.

Compliance Urged

The GHS has urged prospective travellers to complete the process well ahead of departure to avoid difficulties during their journey. It has also called on airlines, travel agencies and other relevant stakeholders to inform passengers about the new requirement and ensure they are adequately prepared before travelling .

The Service said compliance would help facilitate a smooth travel process while supporting national efforts to protect public health, and appealed to all travellers and stakeholders to cooperate with the measure.

The directive follows a series of preparatory steps by the Ministry of Health. In late October, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh inspected Ebola preparedness measures at Kotoka International Airport, where thermal scanners had been installed and the electronic declaration system was being finalised . The Minister emphasised at the time that no passenger would be exempt from screening protocols, stating: "Diseases are no respecter of anybody. So, both at the VIP level and everywhere, anybody who arrives must go through their processes" .

Broader Surveillance Framework

Under the enhanced measures announced on November 3, travellers arriving from countries with ongoing Ebola transmission will be monitored for up to 21 days after arrival and must remain reachable for follow-up contact . Hotels and accommodation providers are also required to report guests arriving from affected countries to the nearest district health directorate and maintain records of their contact details .

Authorities have warned that knowingly providing false information, concealing symptoms, or refusing to comply with screening requirements will be subject to public health measures under Ghanaian law .

The November 12 rollout marks the operational start of the mandatory declaration requirement, which the GHS says will support national efforts to detect and respond to potential health threats at the country's borders.