Ahmed Ibrahim and Alexander Afenyo-Markin

Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, has criticized the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, for politicizing health issues during a parliamentary session.

According to the Member of Parliament for Banda, health matters should not be subjected to political debate.

He argued that the Minority Leader should refrain from attributing political blame for the recent cholera outbreak.

“If there is cholera outbreak, it is a health problem and you are attributing political problem for health problem. How can that be? health issues and you are using political solutions, oh leader!” he said.

On the other hand, Afenyo-Markin urged the Minister of Health to reconsider the government’s decision to dismiss health workers employed by the previous administration in its final days.

Given the surge in cholera and meningitis cases, he emphasized that this is not the right time to lay off health workers.

He further noted that out of 21 health facilities in Effutu, 17 were constructed using his personal funds.

He also explained that the outbreak of the disease is caused by locked toilet most especially in Effutu as a result of the change of government which has affected the MMDCEs.

The debate followed a parliamentary briefing by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, on the outbreak of cholera and meningitis in the country.

Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh, disclosed that Ghana has recorded 719 confirmed cases of cholera and 49 deaths across five regions since the outbreak began in October 2024.

“Since the onset in October 2024, the outbreak has unfortunately spread to other districts in Greater Accra and four other regions: Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions.

“As of February 13, 2025, we have recorded 6,145 cases, including 719 confirmed cases, and unfortunately, forty-nine (49) deaths. In total, five regions have reported cases since the outbreak began. These regions are Greater Accra, Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern," he noted.

Mintah-Akandoh acknowledged the challenges posed by limited resources but emphasized the government's dedication to strengthening the healthcare system and prioritizing disease prevention.

"We are fully committed to fighting this outbreak and will continue to collaborate with local authorities, international partners, and health professionals to bring the situation under control," he stated.

In response to the cholera outbreak, the government has implemented several measures, including enhanced surveillance, increased laboratory testing capacity, environmental assessments, and public education campaigns.

"We have activated regional and district public health emergency committees in all affected regions to ensure a coordinated response. We have heightened surveillance in all districts, conducting active community case searches and contact tracing to identify and manage cases promptly. We have strengthened laboratory capacity to test and confirm suspected cases, ensuring accurate diagnosis and timely treatment," he noted.

AM/KA

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