News
Media sensitised to rabies prevention
Dr. Gbene (in smock) with the media practitioners
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with Breakthrough Action in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service has organised a one day workshop on Rabies prevention, response and control risk communication for media personnel within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
The training was intended to throw more light on the rising cases of rabies, proper risk communication and how the media could help in the dissemination of the right information to the general public.
Addressing the media, the Veterinary Doctor in charge of the Western and Western North regions, Dr. Simon Gbene disclosed that children were more vulnerable to rabid dogs because they liked pets and would always like to play with these pets notwithstanding the disease these dogs were carrying.
He said rabies transmission was through scratches, the saliva or breathing orally in the case of entering a cave inhabited by many bats adding “bats carry rabies like dogs, cats, foxes and other animals.”
He said when someone got a bite from a rabid dog or cat it took four days to two years for the virus to come down depending on the volume and intensity of the virus and bite.
Dr. Gbene said a dog with rabies could bite and destroy about 100 birds within 10 days and the same applied to humans, too, because when the dog fully showed signs of rabies it would become so wild that any living thing that came its way would be bitten.
He said school children normally feared passing through areas where dogs were very common because of the barking or fear of being bitten.
He said the World declared zero rabies bites worldwide from 2018 to 2030 and Ghana had not been able to implement the campaign due to lack of stakeholder funding or sponsorship from foreign donors.
He said zoonotic diseases were diseases which were likely to attack both animals and humans, stressing that rabies was one of the zoonotic diseases, avian influenza also called bird flu, anthrax and sleeping sickness were all zoonotic diseases.
Dr. Gbene advised people even dog owners to desist from disturbing or trying to play with sleeping dogs, dogs taking their meals and those which had just littered because these classes of dogs were very aggressive and could bite their owners at the least provocation.
A representative of the USAID said the media had been earmarked as one of the major partners in the fight against the spread of rabies because they could collaborate with Ghana Health Service to disseminate information to the general public.
She said there was a very low awareness creation about rabies, low risk perception and low vaccination coverage for rabies.
From Peter Gbambila, Sekondi
President John Dramani Mahama has held bilateral talks with the President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, reaffirming the strong ties and shared values that continue to define relations between Ghana and South Korea.
During the discussions, President Mahama highlighted the historic connection between the two nations, noting their common commitment to democracy, human rights, and a shared historical experience.
He emphasised the opportunities for deeper cooperation, stating that Ghana’s rich natural and human resources, combined with Korea’s technological expertise and innovation, present a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership.
The President also underscored Ghana’s strategic role within the African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose secretariat is headquartered in Accra, positioning the country as a gateway for production and exports into a market of over 1.4 billion people.
President Lee Jae Myung, in his remarks, described Ghana as a country that holds a special place in the hearts of many Koreans, highlighting decades of cooperation in areas such as maritime security, trade, and agriculture.
He also reflected on the longstanding cultural and economic connection symbolised by the popular “Ghana” chocolate brand made from Ghanaian cocoa, which has been enjoyed in Korea for over five decades.
Both leaders expressed optimism about expanding people-to-people exchanges, cultural engagement, and economic collaboration, with President Lee noting that President Mahama’s visit provides a timely opportunity to deepen practical cooperation that will directly benefit the citizens of both nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed by the relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates that two Ghanaian nationals sustained injuries following a drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport earlier today, March 11, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Ghana has strongly condemned any act that endangers civilian lives and critical infrastructure.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, March 11, such incidents pose serious risks to public safety and underscore the importance of ensuring the protection of civilians and vital international transport hubs.
Ghana’s Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates has led a delegation of the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai to visit the two injured Ghanaians in hospital.
Their injuries are not critical and are expected to fully recover soon.
“We therefore urge calm as we continue to extend consular assistance and collaborate closely with host authorities,” the statement added.
The Ministry has revealed that they are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities as required.
The Government of Ghana expresses its concern over the incident and conveys its thoughts to the injured individuals and their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the Government of Ghana’s commitment to the protection and welfare of Ghanaian citizens wherever they may be.
The Government of Ghana is actively supporting ongoing consultations within the UN to pass a resolution seeking a cessation of hostilities.
According to the Ministry they are offering the necessary leadership and coordination with Ghana’s diplomatic Missions and will provide updates on the matter as and when the need arises.
Government has reiterated its call for Nationals in the Gulf region to always exercise heightened vigilance and comply with directives from Ghanaian Embassies and local authorities.
