The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has revealed that 107 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed out of 316 suspected infections within the University of Ghana community.

Briefing Parliament, the government’s response strategy to manage the resurgence on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the minister explained that a resurgence of COVID-19 on the Legon campus followed recent hall week celebrations which drew large crowds amid a disregard for safety protocols.

"Mr Speaker, as of now, out of 316 suspected cases, 107 of those cases have been confirmed as COVID-19. Fortunately, there are no hospitalisations and more importantly, no deaths. So far, the outbreak is limited to the university community. It has not spread widely to other parts of Accra or the rest of the country. As I mentioned earlier, all confirmed cases are recovering well," he noted.

“These events brought large crowds together with little use of face masks or distancing, following our investigations, even after the university community became aware, we also noticed a drop in adherence to basic COVID-19 safety protocols and some challenges with contact tracing," he stated.

He indicated that the ministry responded swiftly to contain the resurgence.

“Mr Speaker, once the first signals came in, we moved quickly. Here is what we did, we sent a national team to work with university and municipal health authorities, held meetings with the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Head of Noguchi, and the School of Public Health. We issued alerts to all health facilities nationwide," he noted.

According to the minister, the university subsequently suspended all hall week activities and launched a campus-wide education campaign using posters, campus radio, and student leaders.

“We are supporting the Legon Hospital and Student Clinic with more resources, preparing the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to handle severe cases if any occur, holding face-to-face sessions with student bodies and faculty, providing more PPEs and training frontline health workers, and enhancing our data tracking in all health facilities, including mapping where cases are coming from and continuing to test and monitor daily," he remarked.

On the nature of the outbreak, he reassured the public that it was manageable.

“Mr Speaker, I want to assure Ghanaians that this is not a new virus. And we are not back to 2020. This Omicron variant has been with us before. It spreads fast, yes, but it is mostly mild and we know how to manage it. We have beaten back bigger waves before, and we can do it again with calm cooperation and good public health practices," he noted.

Touching on vaccination, Mintah Akandoh, clarified that COVID-19 vaccines are no longer part of Ghana’s routine immunisation schedule but remain an important preventive tool.

“Vaccinations are no longer part of the country’s routine immunisation programme. Indeed, this is the case in most countries. That said, vaccinations remain one of the important tools that can be used to control the spread of COVID-19 infections and more importantly, to prevent severe disease and deaths. As a result, and in preparation for a potential surge, we have initiated the necessary processes to secure vaccines in-country. This is in line with our policy to protect the health of vulnerable populations, particularly people with underlying medical conditions and the aged,” he added.

The health minister said Ghana is adequately prepared to handle infections.

"Our hospitals are prepared and stocked to provide oxygen therapy and all the necessary care. PPEs, test kits, and treatment supplies are all in place. Health workers are being supported, and emergency centres like the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre are on standby.

“This is a localised outbreak, and we are on top of it. There is no need for panic. However, we must remain vigilant and responsible. The Ministry of Health and its agencies remain committed to protecting the health of all Ghanaian students, workers, families, and the vulnerable alike.

“Mr. Speaker, COVID is not over, but neither is our resolve. May the good Lord bless our homeland Ghana. I thank you for the opportunity," he stated.

In a statement dated Monday, June 23, 2025, the University of Ghana Health Services Directorate confirmed a recent spike in COVID-19 infections within the university community.

The Directorate revealed that both suspected and confirmed cases have been reported, prompting renewed preventive measures across the campus.

Students, staff, and visitors have been advised to strictly observe COVID-19 protocols, including the proper use of face masks, frequent handwashing with soap under running water or use of alcohol-based sanitizers, and maintaining physical distancing where possible.

JKB/VPO

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