The Ministry of Health is taking steps to intensify the fight against Ebola as it works to acquire certification for another diagnostic facility in Ashanti Region.

The Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR) in Tropical Medicine is currently awaiting certification by the World Health Organization (WHO) to conduct Ebola tests. 

The new facility will augment the work of Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research when it starts operation.

Minister of Health, Dr. Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, who inspected the Kumasi facility recently expressed satisfaction with the diagnostic centre.

He pledged to ensure that the WHO certification is obtained as soon as possible.

He said he has directed his ministry to give the necessary support needed to facilitate the work of KCCR.

"KCCR is a centre of excellence in many ways. It stands out as one of the best equipped research laboratories in Ghana and the sub-region", said the health minister.

As of February 10, 2015 the WHO and respective governments have reported a total of 23,217 suspected Ebola cases and 9,353 deaths -- with majority of the cases happening within the West African sub-region.