Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Juaboso, Kwabena Mintah AkandohThe Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Juaboso, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has confirmed that 107 COVID-19 cases have been recorded at the University of Ghana.
According to the Minister, health officials had received 316 suspected cases as of Tuesday, July 1, out of which 107 tested positive.
Giving an update to Parliament on the resurgence of COVID-19, Mr. Akandoh said the outbreak has so far been confined to the University of Ghana campus.
He attributed it to overcrowding during recent hall week celebrations.
“As of today, 1st July, we have: 316 suspected cases (people have shown symptoms and been tested). 107 of those cases have been confirmed as COVID-19. There are no hospitalisations and importantly, no deaths. Mr. Speaker, so far, the outbreak is limited to the University community…all confirmed cases are recovering well.
“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.
He added that poor adherence to safety protocols and large gatherings without masks or social distancing contributed to the outbreak.
Following investigations, Mr. Akandoh said health officials also observed a “drop in adherence to basic COVID-19 safety protocols and some challenges with contact tracing.”
On government response, he noted that a national team had been deployed to support university and municipal health authorities.
“We are not stopping there. Additional steps underway include: supporting Legon Hospital and the Student Clinic with more resources, and preparing the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to handle severe cases—if any occur,” the Minister added.
