Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has confirmed a recent increase in COVID-19 cases, primarily linked to an outbreak on the University of Ghana campus. In an address to Parliament on Tuesday, July 1, the Minister reported that out of 316 suspected samples, 107 cases had been confirmed, with the Omicron variant identified as the main cause of the surge. He stated, “Currently, out of 316 suspected cases, 107 have been confirmed as COVID-19.
Fortunately, there have been no hospitalisations or deaths.”Mr. Akandoh clarified that the outbreak is currently confined to the university community and has not significantly spread to other areas in Accra or the rest of the country. He connected the rise in infections to recent Hall Week celebrations on the Legon campus, where large crowds gathered with minimal adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols. “After sending a team to investigate, we identified several key issues that contributed to the spread. The most significant factor was the recent Hall Week celebrations. These events attracted large crowds, with little use of face masks or social distancing,” he explained.
In response, the Ministry of Health has deployed a national response team to work closely with university and municipal health officials. The Minister said meetings were also held with the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, heads of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and the School of Public Health.
As part of the containment measures, all future hall week activities on campus have been suspended. Additionally, nationwide alerts have been sent to health facilities to remain vigilant. A campus-wide public education campaign has also been rolled out using posters, student leadership platforms, and university radio stations to reinforce adherence to public health protocols.
The Minister urged the general public to remain cautious and continue observing preventive measures such as proper hand hygiene, wearing face masks in crowded areas, and getting vaccinated, especially those who are due for booster shots.
“Avoid gathering if you are sick,” he advised.
By: Leticia Osei
