South Africa's public broadcaster, SABC News, has issued a public apology after incorrectly reporting that Ghana had recorded thousands of Ebola infections and hundreds of deaths. The correction came after the broadcaster aired an inaccurate news ticker on July 20, 2026, stating Ghana registered 2,300 Ebola cases and 930 deaths. Ghana's Ministry of Health had earlier dismissed these claims as false.
During an on-air correction, SABC acknowledged its mistake and expressed regret over the misinformation. The broadcaster clarified that information from Ghana's Ministry of Health confirmed the country had not recorded any case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). This false report caused unnecessary public anxiety and could have negatively impacted Ghana's international standing and economic activities.
This incident fits into a broader context of African nations strengthening disease surveillance and emergency preparedness. While Ghana has not recorded any confirmed Ebola cases, the Ministry of Health, led by Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has been conducting routine inspections. These inspections cover border entry points, laboratories, and treatment centres. These proactive measures are part of the country's public health strategy and do not indicate an Ebola outbreak.
SABC News stated, "This happened during a broadcast last night. SABC News regrets the error and apologises for any distress or inconvenience caused." The Ministry of Health had previously advised Ghanaians to rely solely on information from official sources. These sources include the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service for matters relating to disease outbreaks. They cautioned against circulating unverified reports.
The false report could have had significant economic implications, potentially deterring foreign investment and tourism. Misinformation about public health can lead to travel restrictions and trade disruptions, impacting key sectors of Ghana's economy. The prompt apology from SABC and the clear communication from Ghana's Ministry of Health were crucial in mitigating potential damage. This event underscores the importance of responsible journalism and robust public health communication strategies.
Moving forward, decision-makers and the public will watch for continued vigilance from media outlets in verifying health-related news. Ghana's commitment to transparent communication about its health status will be vital in maintaining trust. The incident also highlights the need for international media to cross-reference information with official government sources. This ensures accuracy and prevents the spread of harmful misinformation. Ghana's economy, which relies on stability and investor confidence, benefits greatly from accurate reporting on such critical issues.