The Pro Vice-Chancellor in charge of Student and Academic Affairs at the University of Ghana, Professor Gordon Awandare, has assured the university community that academic activities—particularly lectures—will continue despite growing concerns over a resurgence of COVID-19 cases on campus.
This follows a communiqué from the University of Ghana Health Services Directorate, which alerted the community to newly recorded COVID-19 cases and prompted the reactivation of safety protocols to curb further spread.
Speaking on Campus Exclusive on Radio Univers, Professor Awandare clarified that lectures are not part of the social gatherings suspended in response to the spike in infections.
“The notice from the Dean was specific. It says ‘social.’ Social means non-academic, non-official UG functions. These are optional or non-essential interactions that we are putting on hold for now,” he explained. “We’re talking about events at the discretion of students—not academic functions. Lectures are not as socially interactive as a concert or food fair.”
Professor Awandare emphasized that lectures are conducted in structured settings and are essential to the university’s core mandate, unlike recreational or informal gatherings.
He also dismissed fears of a campus-wide shutdown, stating that such a move is not being considered at this time.
“We are hoping that once we put these measures in place, the spread will reduce quickly and we can return to normal without closing down the school. All we’re asking for is cooperation. If students want to return to their social events and enjoy campus life again, we need to act responsibly now,” he said.
Students are encouraged to wear face masks, observe social distancing, and comply with all university-issued health directives as part of efforts to control the spread of the virus.
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Story by Oliver Acorlor | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Cindy Selasi Humade.
