Ebola fears loom over Ghana hosting AFCON

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) cautioned the government Saturday against hosting the 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite a request by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), for fear of the dreaded Ebola virus entering the country.

The caution was issued following reports that Morocco, the original hosts, were considering withdrawing for fear of a possible inflow of the deadly virus that has killed more than 4,500 persons in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, reports Xinhua.

Sports minister Mahama Ayariga confirmed that Ghana had been approached by CAF for the possibility of hosting the tournament in 2015.

"CAF wrote to us a few days ago and indicated that Morocco had given strong indications that they will pull out if CAF did not change the date," he said.

Local media also indicated that 2013 AFCON hosts South Africa were being considered by the governing body of African football as a possible replacement.

GMA deputy general secretary Justice Yankson said it would be risky for the government to accept the request from CAF.

"If people are going to be here for more than or close to a month, some could come in at a point where they do not have a full blown infection or are not exhibiting the symptoms," he said.

"But the symptoms could come in after they have already entered the country. That is something we need to think about. Before we take a final decision, we really need to sit down and do our homework well."

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned there could be up to 10,000 new Ebola cases per week in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone by the end of this year.

Morocco sports minister Mohamed Ouzzine said though they had not yet withdrawn as hosts, they considered the advice of WHO, which had advised against big gatherings to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Moroccan government lodged a request with CAF to postpone the tournament because of concerns over the epidemic. However, CAF stated that no changes would be made to its January 2015 schedule, although they would consider the request made by Morocco.