A recent uptick in COVID-19 cases has been traced largely to the University of Ghana, according to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who disclosed that 107 infections had been confirmed from 316 suspected cases.
“As of now, 316 suspected cases, 107 of those cases have been confirmed as COVID-19. Fortunately, no hospitalisations and no deaths,” he said in Parliament on Tuesday, July 1.
Mr. Akandoh noted that the outbreak remains largely confined to the university community, with minimal spread to other parts of Accra or the country. He said the cases are primarily driven by the Omicron variant, attributing the outbreak on campus to Hall Week celebrations.
According to him, “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.”
To contain the situation, the Ministry of Health has dispatched a national response team to collaborate with the university and local health authorities. Akandoh added that consultations have taken place with the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, as well as leadership from the Noguchi Memorial Institute and the School of Public Health.
Government to secure COVID-19 vaccines
The minister noted that the government is working to secure COVID-19 vaccines locally as part of efforts to stay prepared for any potential spike in infections. He explained that although Ghana has phased out routine COVID-19 vaccinations, the shots remain an important line of defence, particularly in preventing severe illness should case numbers begin to rise again. This approach, he added, mirrors global adjustments to pandemic management strategies.
“In preparation for a potential surge, we have initiated the necessary processes to secure vaccines in-country,” Akandoh stated, stressing the government’s “commitment to safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions who are more likely to suffer serious complications from COVID-19.”
COVID-19 resurgence at UG
University of Ghana, on June 25, issued a public notice, announcing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases on campus, consequently urging students, staff, and visitors to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to preventive measures to curb further spread.
Later, in a directive issued by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, all social gatherings, including events by the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Students’ Representative Council (SRC), Junior Common Rooms (JCRs), and departmental and school associations, were suspended.
“These measures have become necessary to safeguard the health and well-being of the University community,” the notice said.
These developments followed the recent hall week celebrations of Pent, TF, and Evandy-Bani halls.
Lectures, UG official events to continue despite resurgence
While there is a ban on social gatherings, UG’s Pro Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Student and Academic Affairs, Professor Gordon Awandare, in an interview with Radio Univers, assured the continuation of academic activities, with strict adherence to safety protocols. The university has also announced that all official activities of the institution will go on as scheduled.
Safety protocols ignored on campus
The development sparked concern among some students and staff. A section of the university community is exercising caution, but many appear largely unbothered. Observations across lecture halls and other parts of campus revealed that most individuals were not wearing face masks, with some expressing doubt about reports of a COVID-19 resurgence.
Evidence points to animal origin of COVID-19, possibly from bats
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reaffirmed that zoonotic spillover remains the most plausible origin of the virus. This conclusion comes from the latest update by the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), a 27-member panel that has spent more than three years investigating the source of SARS-CoV-2—the virus behind the global pandemic.
In a report published on June 27, 2025, SAGO noted that current evidence points to a likely transmission from bats, either directly or via another animal species. However, the group emphasised that no theory has been conclusively confirmed or dismissed.
