A World Health Organisation (WHO)-commissioned report on Ghana’s preparedness for a potential coronavirus infection (COVID-19) outbreak reveals that as of February 14, 2020, there were gaps in the country’s action plan.

“Using WHO’s Country Readiness checklist, Ghana assessed its capacities to respond to any suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 and identified gaps to plan for preparedness, response and control activities,” the five-page report opened with these words.

However, the report scores Ghana high for the capacity to test for the deadly virus, noting that, “so far, 15 suspected cases have been tested for with all 15 testing negative for COVID-19.”

“Ghana is classified among Priority 1 countries in WHO Africa region for at being at risk based on flights and passenger volumes,” the report stated.

Some of the key challenges identified about Ghana’s preparedness, response and control activities against coronavirus include the following:

- Inadequate funding to implement the various preparedness activities planned.

- Support from Government so far has gone towards the provision of PPEs, coordination activities, health declaration forms.

- Additional funding will be required to implement remaining activities.

Click here to read a detailed update on Ghana's preparedness to deal with coronavirus

Currently, more than a dozen countries have recorded their first cases of the virus in the past 48 hours, as WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, says the outbreak had “pandemic potential.”

Read the full report on Ghana below.