Kingsley Agyemang, Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South and a member of Parliament’s Select Committee on Health, has expressed deep frustration over what he describes as the government’s lack of urgency in tackling the recent outbreak of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) in Ghana.
In a candid interview, the MP criticised the apparent disconnect between the rising number of Mpox cases and the national response, saying the government’s silence and lack of targeted public health communication are putting lives at risk.
“Over 200 cases have been recorded, with one confirmed death,” Mr. Agyemang said. “Yet, many of my constituents—and even members of Parliament—have not been officially briefed. This hasn’t even been brought before the Health Committee.”
Rising Cases, Low Public Awareness
Mr. Agyemang noted that while cases are climbing, particularly in urban areas like Chorkor, many people are unaware of the symptoms, the risks, or even the name of the disease.
“Go to the streets and ask young people about Mpox—most don’t even know what it is. That is alarming,” he said. “This is a medical condition that can affect anyone. We need deliberate national communication.”
He further blamed poor health promotion and a lack of public education for the growing confusion, noting that misinformation and underreporting could make containment more difficult.
Call for Strategic Health Response
Drawing parallels with the COVID-19 response, Mr. Agyemang said the current handling of Mpox lacks the same urgency and coordination.
“During COVID, we saw active engagement from the presidency and daily briefings. Why is Mpox being treated differently when it also poses a serious public health risk?” he asked.
He urged the government to roll out a clear, nationwide screening and containment plan, calling for improved isolation protocols, increased testing, and a public education campaign backed by the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.
A Plea to the Media and Stakeholders
The MP also turned his attention to the media, urging journalists and broadcasters to take the outbreak seriously and dedicate airtime to public health education.
“What protocols are you airing? What information are you sharing with the public?” he challenged. “The media must be deliberate. This is not a time to pick and choose what trends—this is about the health of the nation.”
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Mr. Agyemang concluded by calling for immediate Cabinet-level attention to the outbreak, emphasizing that protecting lives must be prioritized over bureaucracy.
“The government must act now. The health of the nation is not negotiable.”
The Mpox virus, a contagious disease transmitted through close human contact, has seen sporadic outbreaks in parts of West and Central Africa but has recently re-emerged in urban populations. Health experts continue to urge public vigilance as efforts to contain the spread are ramped up.