Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has confirmed a spike in COVID-19 cases in Ghana, tracing the majority of infections to a localised outbreak at the University of Ghana.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, July 1, the Minister revealed that 107 out of 316 suspected samples had tested positive for COVID-19, with the Omicron variant identified as the dominant strain.
“As of now, 316 suspected cases, 107 of those cases have been confirmed as COVID-19. Fortunately, no hospitalisations and no deaths,” Mr. Akandoh told lawmakers.
He explained that the outbreak remains largely confined to the university community and has not yet spread to the wider Accra area or other parts of the country. According to the Minister, the surge in cases was primarily fuelled by recent Hall Week celebrations at the Legon campus.
“Mr. Speaker, after sending in a team to investigate, we found a few key issues that fuelled the spread. The most significant factor was the recent Hall Week celebrations held at the University. These events brought large crowds together, with little use of face masks or distancing,” he said.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has mobilised a national response team to work in coordination with university authorities and municipal health officials. Strategic meetings have also been held with the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, leaders of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and experts from the School of Public Health.
As part of emergency containment efforts, all upcoming Hall Week celebrations at the university have been suspended. Health alerts have also been issued nationwide, advising health facilities to heighten their surveillance and preparedness.
A robust public education campaign has been launched on campus, with messaging pushed through posters, student leadership networks, and campus radio, aimed at reinforcing adherence to safety protocols.
The Minister used the opportunity to remind the public to stay vigilant and continue observing basic preventive measures, including frequent handwashing, mask-wearing in crowded areas, and getting vaccinated or receiving booster doses if eligible.
