Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has confirmed a resurgence of COVID-19 cases, with the majority of infections traced to the University of Ghana campus.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, July 1, the Minister said that of 316 suspected cases, 107 have tested positive, with the Omicron variant identified as the leading cause.
Fortunately, no hospitalisations or deaths have been recorded so far, but the sudden uptick in cases has triggered swift action from health authorities.
“As of now, 316 suspected cases, 107 of those cases have been confirmed as COVID-19. Fortunately, no hospitalisations and no deaths,” the Minister informed lawmakers.
He revealed that a special investigation team was deployed to assess the situation, and their findings pointed to a familiar culprit: crowded public gatherings.
In particular, the recent Hall Week celebrations on the university campus were cited as a major factor in the virus’s 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,” Akandoh explained.
The Ministry of Health has since mobilized a national response team to coordinate efforts with university officials and the Ayawaso West municipal health team.
Meetings have also been held with key health institutions, including the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and the School of Public Health, to ensure a cohesive and science-led response.
