The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has confirmed 24 cases of mpox across 12 districts, with Kumasi recording the highest number of infections.
Dr Fred Adomako-Boateng, Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, confirmed this in an interview with Luv FM, saying the Kumasi Metropolitan area leads with six cases, representing a quarter of the regional total.
He explained the severity of the outbreak: “The case fatality rate for most of the average of Mpox is normally around 11%. But if you look at the current outbreak that we are dealing with in the country and the period we are talking about, we are looking at 1/409, which will give a percentage of 0.24. You can’t say 0.24 person dying, but it means that it’s really not fatal as compared to the other cases that we know.”
On the regional spread, he added: “For example, in the Ashanti Region, we initially for a long time didn’t even record a case. Currently, the total number of cases that we have recorded in the region is 24, which is almost about 5% of the total cases that we are talking about. You look at the districts that have been affected, we are talking about 12 districts, which is about 27% of the 43 districts in the region. Currently, the leading district, as it’s implied, is Kumasi, having about six cases, which is about 25% of the cases that we have.”
Dr Adomako-Boateng also noted that none of the cases are currently admitted: “Our first two cases were really recorded in Old Tafo about two months ago, and they have been discharged and are doing well,” he said.
Meanwhile, a significant surge in mpox cases has been recorded, bringing the total number of confirmed infections nationwide to over 400.
According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), 37 new cases were recorded as of August 14, 2025, raising the cumulative total to 409.
The GHS also reported that two cases are currently on admission, emphasising the ongoing threat posed by the viral disease.
The Ghana Health Service issued an urgent public health update to inform the public of the new figures and to reinforce essential safety precautions.
The update comes amid a broader continental resurgence of the disease, which prompted the World Health Organisation (WHO) to renew its “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” declaration in August 2024.
Protecting Yourself and Others
The GHS continues to stress that Mpox spreads mainly through close physical contact with an infected person. In light of the recent surge, the Service’s recommendations for public safety include:
- Avoiding close contact with infected persons, especially those with visible rashes.
- Washing hands often with soap and water to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Avoiding regular touching of your eyes, nose, and mouth, which can be entry points for the virus.
The GHS urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility for prompt diagnosis and management. Symptoms of Mpox include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic skin rash that can be painful.
National and Global Context
This latest surge is part of a worrying trend observed in Ghana throughout 2025. The country recorded its first Mpox-related death in July 2025, a sobering moment that highlighted the seriousness of the outbreak.
Reports from international health bodies show that Ghana’s case numbers have been rapidly escalating, contributing to a broader surge across Africa, particularly in Central and West Africa.
The GHS and other national health authorities are intensifying surveillance, contact tracing, and public education efforts to contain the spread and prevent further fatalities.
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