UG records 107 COVID-19 cases, Minister flags hall week as cause of resurgence
By Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has confirmed a resurgence of COVID-19 cases at the University of Ghana, traced to the Omicron sub-variant.
In a statement to Parliament on July 1, 2025, the minister emphasized that the situation is under control and remains confined to the university community.
“While COVID-19 is no longer classified as a global health emergency, it hasn’t vanished. Like many viruses, we expect occasional flare-ups, particularly during certain seasons,” Mr. Akandoh stated.
The outbreak was detected through Ghana’s Integrated Influenza Surveillance System and confirmed by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. This nationwide surveillance network, spanning all 16 regions, continues to monitor respiratory viruses even as many countries scale back their COVID-19 monitoring.
As of July 1, 316 suspected cases had been tested, with 107 confirmed positive. Fortunately, there have been no hospitalizations or deaths reported. All confirmed cases are recovering well.
According to the minister, the resurgence has been linked to recent Hall Week celebrations on campus, which drew large crowds and saw minimal adherence to safety measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing.
“Our investigations show a significant drop in compliance with COVID-19 protocols, coupled with challenges in contact tracing. These likely contributed to the outbreak,” he explained.
Mr. Akandoh assured lawmakers and the public that the outbreak has not spread beyond the campus to other parts of Accra or the country. He praised Ghana’s ongoing vigilance, crediting the early detection to the nation’s continued investment in disease surveillance post-pandemic.
The Health Ministry is collaborating with the University of Ghana to intensify public health messaging, reinforce safety protocols, and improve contact tracing on campus.
Authorities are urging all Ghanaians, especially members of the university community, to remain cautious and follow recommended safety guidelines to prevent further spread.
