Alarming figures reveal that the Western Region now accounts for a staggering 71% of all confirmed Monkeypox infections nationwide.

This came to light at the Western Regional Development Retreat in Essipong on Saturday, June 21.

Kwadwo Okyere Apenteng, the Chief Pharmacist of the Western Regional Health Directorate, speaking on behalf of the Regional Health Director, underscored the severity of the situation.

He disclosed that the region documented its initial Monkeypox case on May 23 in Tarkwa, marking the beginning of an escalating outbreak.

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"Monkeypox is also in the country, and currently, the Western Region is number one; we have taken over. 71% of the cases in the country are coming from the Western Region. As it stands, we have 187 suspected cases and 43 confirmed cases," Mr Apenteng stated, highlighting the dramatic shift in the geographical distribution of the disease within Ghana.

While Ghana recorded its first Mpox (Monkeypox) cases in October 2024, the rapid concentration in the Western Region, with a population of over 2 million people (2021 Census data), presents a unique challenge for public health officials.

In response to this critical situation, the Directorate has immediately activated its public health emergency response system.

This includes intensified surveillance efforts to track potential new cases and their contacts, alongside a robust public education campaign aimed at informing residents about prevention, symptoms, and reporting mechanisms.

This aligns with Ghana's broader National Health Security agenda, bolstered by initiatives like the recently launched $16.3 million Pandemic Fund Project, which focuses on strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, and health workforce readiness.

The current Monkeypox outbreak has also cast a harsh light on the state of healthcare infrastructure in the Western Region.

Addressing the same retreat, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson voiced pressing concerns about stalled healthcare projects, particularly the much-needed upgrade of the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital.

The hospital's redevelopment has been a subject of public discourse for several years, with previous reports from early 2025 indicating assurances from a new government to continue the project.

However, the Regional Minister's recent remarks suggest persistent delays.

"Our regional hospital in Effia Nkwanta is undergoing some revamping, but as we speak, the work is stalled. I pray that, very soon, work will resume so that we can complete it for the very purpose for which that project was started," Mr Nelson lamented.

The completion of this vital regional referral facility is deemed crucial for enhancing the region's capacity to manage not only current outbreaks like Monkeypox but also future health crises.

Recognising the severity of the situation and the critical need for improved health infrastructure, Minister Nelson extended an appeal to the Western Regional House of Chiefs.

He urged their esteemed traditional leaders to lend their considerable influence to advocacy efforts aimed at accelerating the upgrading of key health facilities throughout the region.

This collaborative approach seeks to fortify the Western Region’s preparedness and response capabilities, safeguarding the health of its citizens against emerging infectious diseases.