The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has confirmed 24 cases of mpox across 12 districts, with Kumasi emerging as the hardest-hit area, recording six cases, making 25% of the regional total.
According to Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, the region now accounts for roughly 5% of Ghana’s national caseload.
Although mpox typically has a global case fatality rate of around 11%, Ghana’s current outbreak appears significantly less severe, with just one death out of 409 cases representing a fatality rate of 0.24%.
Dr. Adomako-Boateng added that no cases are currently on admission in Ashanti, and the first two infections recorded in Old Tafo two months ago have since recovered.
In total, 12 out of the region’s 43 districts have reported cases, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
Nationwide, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) reported a surge of 37 new infections as of August 14, 2025, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 409.
Two patients are currently hospitalised. In response, the GHS has issued a public health alert, emphasising that mpox remains a serious threat.
The disease is primarily spread through close physical contact with infected individuals.
GHS continues to urge the public to avoid contact with those showing visible rashes, maintain frequent handwashing with soap and water, and avoid touching the face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth.
This warning comes amid a broader resurgence of mpox across Africa, particularly in Central and West Africa, which led the World Health Organisation (WHO) to renew its declaration of the disease as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024.
Ghana recorded its first mpox-related death in July 2025, a stark reminder of the risks associated with the virus.
The Ghana Health Service, along with other national health authorities, is intensifying efforts in surveillance, contact tracing, and public education to curb further spread and prevent additional fatalities.
