COVID-19 Cases Spike at University of Ghana: Health Minister Assures Public Situation is Under Control
Ghana’s Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has provided a crucial update to Parliament regarding a recent surge in COVID-19 cases reported at the University of Ghana. Addressing the House on Tuesday, July 1, the Minister reassured the public that the outbreak is under control and emphasized that there is no cause for alarm.
During his parliamentary address, Minister Akandoh acknowledged that while COVID-19 is no longer classified as a global health emergency by the World Health Organization, it remains a public health concern that can resurface in localized outbreaks.
COVID-19 Outbreak Confirmed at University of Ghana
According to the Health Minister, a total of 107 positive COVID-19 cases have been confirmed from 316 suspected cases at the University of Ghana. All confirmed cases are linked to the Omicron sub-variant of the virus. Importantly, he stated that there have been no hospitalizations or fatalities resulting from this outbreak.
The surge in infections was identified through Ghana’s national disease surveillance system and subsequently confirmed by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research—Ghana’s leading biomedical research facility. The outbreak remains localized within the university community, limiting the risk of broader transmission across the country.
Link to Recent Campus Activities
Minister Akandoh pointed out that the rise in COVID-19 cases is likely connected to recent Hall Week celebrations held at the University of Ghana. These events reportedly saw low adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols, including social distancing and mask-wearing, which may have contributed to the spike in infections.
Despite the relaxed public health measures nationwide, the Health Minister reminded citizens of the importance of maintaining vigilance, especially during mass gatherings and events that can become potential superspreader scenarios.
Government Response and Vaccine Strategy
While COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a part of Ghana’s routine immunization programme, the government is actively working to procure vaccines for vulnerable groups. These include the elderly, individuals with chronic health conditions, and frontline healthcare workers.
Minister Akandoh emphasized that the government remains committed to protecting high-risk populations and ensuring preparedness in case of future outbreaks. He urged the public, particularly within the University of Ghana community, to adhere to recommended safety practices and seek medical attention if they exhibit symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
Ongoing Monitoring of Other Public Health Threats
In addition to the COVID-19 update, the Health Minister also provided Parliament with insights into the country’s broader public health surveillance. He reported that Ghana continues to monitor other infectious diseases such as seasonal influenza, cholera, and MPOX (formerly known as monkeypox).
So far, 133 confirmed cases of MPOX have been reported across the country, with no associated deaths. This reflects the effectiveness of the national disease surveillance and response systems in containing emerging health threats before they escalate.
Public Reassurance and Call for Caution
Minister Akandoh concluded his statement by reaffirming that the situation at the University of Ghana is being managed effectively. Public health teams have been deployed to monitor and support affected individuals, while continued testing and contact tracing efforts remain in place.
He called on all Ghanaians to remain calm but alert, stressing that public cooperation is essential in preventing further outbreaks. The Ministry of Health will continue to update the nation on developments and implement targeted interventions as necessary.
