The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has confirmed a recent spike in COVID-19 cases, with infections currently concentrated at the University of Ghana campus.
He said the cases are primarily driven by the Omicron variant.
Addressing Parliament today, Mr Akandoh disclosed that out of 316 suspected cases, 107 have been confirmed.
However, he assured the public that there have been no hospitalizations or deaths linked to the new infections.
Health authorities have intensified surveillance and testing efforts, particularly in educational institutions, to curb transmission.
The minister urged the public to adhere to preventive measures, including hand hygiene, mask-wearing in crowded places, and vaccination, especially for those who have not yet received their booster shots.
This rapid spread, according to the Minister, was fuelled by a social gathering on the University of Ghana campus, during a hall week celebration.
“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.
He also explained that on the back of this, the Ministry sent a national team to work with the University and municipal health authorities and held meetings with the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, heads of Noguchi, and the School of Public Health.
Subsequently, alerts were issued to all health facilities nationwide and a suspension of all University’s hall week activities.
The Minister added that a campus-wide education campaign has been launched using posters, campus radio, and student leaders.
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