Ghana has officially launched the enhanced EMA-i+ application, a digital surveillance tool designed to improve animal disease reporting, safeguard public health, and protect food security. 

The launch event in Accra brought together key stakeholders, including the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, and the Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Ms Priya Gujadhur.

Describing the launch as a “significant milestone,” Mr Opoku stressed that robust animal health surveillance is crucial to preventing and responding to emerging diseases that endanger the economy, food systems, and livelihoods.

“The health and well-being of our animals are directly linked to food security, public health, and the national economy”. 

“It is, therefore, imperative that we equip ourselves with modern tools to detect, respond to, and recover swiftly from these threats,” he said.

Developed by FAO, EMA-i+ allows veterinary officers, animal health workers, and relevant agencies to report animal disease outbreaks in real time. 

The platform improves data accuracy, reporting speed, and information sharing, ensuring quick emergency response.

The upgraded version now covers terrestrial animals, aquatic species, bees, and wildlife. It also adopts a One Health approach, involving the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Wildlife Division.

Ghana piloted the system in 20 districts in 2018, leading to a threefold increase in disease reporting. Since then, it has been scaled up nationwide to detect outbreaks such as Anthrax, Rabies, and Avian Influenza. Between January 2024 and April 2025, the Ministry generated 68 weekly animal health bulletins, strengthening coordination and decision-making.

Despite challenges like internet connectivity, Mr Opoku affirmed that the Ministry is committed to sustaining the system and urged all stakeholders to embrace the tool as part of Ghana’s animal health strategy.

Ms. Gujadhur highlighted the transformative impact of EMA-i+, noting that it has reduced disease reporting time from two to three months under paper-based systems to just 30 minutes.

“Every delay in reporting means animals die, incomes are lost, and in the worst case, human lives are at risk,” she said, commending Ghana for leading in the application’s rollout.

Source: Access Agric 

Image Credit: Metro TV