Ghana bans West Africa flights

Ban prompted by Ebola outbreak

Ghana has banned flights from other west African countries due to the Ebola outbreak which has claimed over 670 lives and recently spread to Lagos in Nigeria.

The flight restrictions are part of an emergency plan being implemented to contain the deadly virus, according to the Ghana Airport Company.

Ghana’s health ministry announced that Ebola treatment centres will be set up in Accra in the south, Kumasi in the centre and Tamale in the north.

A public awareness programme has been launched and medical staff have been put on alert at all the country's healthcare centres, particularly at border posts and ports, and there is also a screening system in place for people arriving from abroad.

All Ghanaian health facilities have been directed to set aside isolation facilities as well.

The outbreak of the disease is the world's most widespread so far. It began in southern Guinea – where it now appears to have stabilised – before spreading to neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone where the virus is claiming an increasing amount of casualties, including the country's top Ebola doctor.

In late July Nigeria confirmed that the virus had spread to Lagos.