The recent surge in COVID-19 cases within the University of Ghana community has been directly attributed to the institution’s recent hall week celebrations, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh informed Parliament today, July 1, 2025.
The minister emphasised that these festive gatherings served as the primary catalyst for the localised outbreak.
Addressing the House, Mr Akandoh provided an update on the situation, assuring Ghanaians that while COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, it continues to flare up occasionally, particularly during certain seasons.
He confirmed that Ghana’s national disease surveillance system promptly detected the increase in cases at the University of Ghana, identifying the variant as the familiar Omicron sub-variant, which is known for its high transmissibility but typically causes mild illness.
As of today, July 1, the minister reported 316 suspected cases within the University of Ghana community, with 107 of these confirmed as COVID-19.
Crucially, he noted that there have been no hospitalisations and no deaths associated with this specific outbreak, with all confirmed cases currently recovering well.
“The recent COVID-19 cases are localised at the University of Ghana community only,” Mr Akandoh stressed, highlighting the effectiveness of Ghana’s robust influenza surveillance system, which detected the cases and was confirmed by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
He lauded Ghana’s foresight in maintaining COVID-19 monitoring, even as many countries have scaled down testing.
Pinpointing the cause of the spike, Mr Akandoh stated unequivocally, “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 added that a general drop in adherence to basic COVID-19 safety protocols and some challenges with contact tracing also contributed to the spread.
Upon receiving the initial alerts, the government promptly dispatched a national team to collaborate with the university and municipal health authorities.
Key officials from the Ghana Health Service, Noguchi, and the School of Public Health convened meetings, and alerts were issued nationwide to all health facilities.
The University of Ghana has since suspended all remaining hall week activities and launched a campus-wide education campaign utilising various channels.
Looking ahead, the ministry is bolstering support for Legon Hospital and the Student Clinic with additional resources and preparing the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre for any potential severe cases.
Efforts are also underway to provide more Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), train frontline health workers, enhance data tracking, and continue daily testing and monitoring.
Mr Akandoh reiterated his assurance to the public, stating, “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.”
He urged calm, cooperation, and adherence to public health practices.
While COVID-19 vaccination is no longer part of routine immunisation, the ministry has initiated processes to secure vaccines for vulnerable populations, emphasising their role in preventing severe disease and deaths.
Treatment options, including Paxlovid for eligible patients, are available, and most mild cases can recover at home.
The minister also briefly touched on the rise in seasonal flu cases and ongoing reports of cholera, urging the public to maintain good hygiene practices.
He further updated Parliament on the MPOX situation, with 133 confirmed cases mostly in Western, Greater Accra, and Western North Regions, noting no admissions or deaths to date, and most affected individuals having fully recovered.
In conclusion, Mr Akandoh urged collective responsibility. The Ministry remains committed to protecting the health of all Ghanaians, even as vigilance is paramount.
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