The Minority in Parliament has issued a strong warning about the escalating cholera outbreak in Ghana, urging the incumbent government to take swift and decisive action to prevent the situation from turning into a full-scale epidemic.

With the number of cases and fatalities steadily increasing, the caucus has expressed serious concern that without immediate intervention, the crisis could spiral out of control.

As of December 17, 2024, the Western Region alone had reported 123 cholera cases and 15 deaths, according to the caucus.

Alarmingly, 15 healthcare workers have also contracted the disease while treating patients. Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, a Ranking Member of Parliament's Health Committee, has criticized the government's response, describing it as a "gross dereliction of duty." He emphasized the urgent need for intervention to contain the outbreak before it worsens.

"The rapid rise in cholera cases and deaths points to serious neglect in our health sector," said Mr Akandoh. "What should have been a manageable situation is quickly escalating into a public health disaster, worsened by poor working conditions for healthcare workers and shortages of essential medical supplies."

The outbreak, which has spread to several regions, has placed immense pressure on the country’s healthcare system.

Despite receiving critical lifesaving supplies from the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 28, 2024, inefficiencies in the distribution of these resources have hampered efforts to control the outbreak.

As a result, health facilities are now relying on donations from corporations and philanthropists to secure basic necessities, including fluids and bedding for critically ill patients.

"The government's failure to ensure proper allocation of resources and support for healthcare workers has exacerbated the situation," Mr Akandoh continued. "What could have been a contained outbreak is now evolving into a national crisis."

According to the WHO, over 2,039 cholera cases were reported in November 2024 alone, and the number is expected to continue rising if current trends persist. The situation is even more dire as healthcare workers are now falling victim to the disease, further weakening the country's ability to respond effectively.

"If immediate and decisive action is not taken, Ghana could face a full-blown cholera epidemic before the new administration takes office," Mr Akandoh warned. "The government must act now to avert a public health catastrophe."

In light of the worsening situation, the minority is calling for immediate and comprehensive government action. Mr Akandoh is urging the administration to ensure efficient allocation of resources, support for healthcare workers, and intensified public education on cholera prevention.

He also called on the Health Promotion Unit of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to prioritize urgent public awareness campaigns to educate the population on the causes of cholera and preventive measures.

"The government must take full responsibility for managing this public health crisis during the transitional period," he said. "The Ghana Health Service, must treat this matter with the utmost urgency and launch widespread public education on cholera prevention at all levels."

With the transition to a new administration fast approaching, the minority has warned that the outgoing government’s failure to address the cholera crisis will leave its successor with the daunting task of managing a full-scale epidemic.