Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has confirmed a COVID-19 outbreak within the University of Ghana community but reassured the nation that the situation is well under control and that there have been no hospitalisations or deaths.
The outbreak, according to the Minister, was identified as the highly transmissible Omicron sub-variant and detected early through the country’s robust influenza surveillance system. Confirmation followed through testing at the esteemed Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
“This is not unfamiliar territory. We have successfully navigated larger waves before, and with collective effort, calm, and adherence to sound public health practices, we shall overcome this as well.”
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, July 1, the Minister confirmed a total of 316 suspected cases had been identified within the University of Ghana. Of these, 107 have been laboratory-confirmed as COVID-19.
He indicated, however, that all those affected are currently recovering without complications, adding, “Crucially, there have been no instances requiring hospitalisation and, most importantly, no loss of life.”
He noted that the outbreak appears contained within the university environment and has not yet spread significantly to other areas of Accra or the broader Ghanaian landscape.
A preliminary investigation by dedicated health officials has linked the outbreak to recent Hall Week celebrations held at the university. These events, marked by significant gatherings and a noticeable lack of adherence to established COVID-19 safety protocols, are believed to have fueled the transmission. The Minister pointed to crowded settings where mask-wearing and physical distancing were not observed, alongside some limitations in contact tracing efforts, as contributing factors.
Upon the initial detection of cases, the Ministry of Health, in close collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and the University of Ghana authorities, implemented immediate and comprehensive measures. These included the rapid deployment of a national response team, the immediate suspension of all Hall Week activities, the launch of a widespread awareness campaign across the university campus, the provision of essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and support to the University’s Legon Hospital, and thorough mapping and intensified testing within the identified affected zones. Furthermore, the state-of-the-art Ghana Infectious Disease Centre has been placed on alert and is ready to handle any potential severe cases that might arise.
Minister Akandoh clarified that while COVID-19 vaccination is no longer part of the routine immunisation schedule, it remains a vital tool in preventing severe forms of the illness. He announced proactive plans to secure additional vaccine supplies to ensure the protection of vulnerable segments of the population.
“We are actively sourcing vaccines as a precautionary measure, anticipating a possible increase in cases, particularly to safeguard our elderly citizens and those living with chronic health conditions,” he affirmed.
The Minister assured the public that effective treatment options are readily available for those who contract the virus. “Paxlovid has proven effective in managing mild to moderate cases, especially among individuals identified as high-risk,” he stated. He added that the majority of individuals are expected to recover comfortably at home, with hospitals prepared to manage any cases that present with more severe symptoms.
Hon. Akandoh cautioned against a potential increase in other infectious diseases typically observed during the rainy season, including seasonal influenza and cholera. He also provided an update on the MPOX situation, reporting 133 cases across three regions – Greater Accra, Western, and Western North. Importantly, there have been no deaths or current hospital admissions associated with MPOX, and all affected patients, except the most recent cases, have made full recoveries.
The Minister urged all citizens to remain vigilant and to consistently practice basic hygiene and safety measures, emphasising their continued effectiveness against a wide range of illnesses.