Accra: In response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak at the University of Ghana's campus, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, has called on Ghanaians to remain calm. He assured the public that a robust surveillance system is in place to manage the situation effectively.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Akandoh reported that there are 316 suspected cases and 107 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant at the university, with no deaths or hospital admissions currently recorded. He emphasized that the Omicron variant, while fast-spreading, is generally mild and manageable, reassuring the public that this is not akin to the crisis seen in 2020.
The Health Minister provided these updates during a session in Accra, where he informed Parliament about the ongoing situation at the University of Ghana. He emphasized that the outbreak is localized to the university and has not affected the wider Accra community or other parts of the country.
Mr. Akandoh reiterated the government's commitment to support the university with necessary resources, including vaccines and personal protective equipment, to handle the outbreak. The Ministry's investigations linked the spread to recent Hall Week celebrations on campus, which saw a lapse in adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.
To combat the spread, the Ministry's surveillance team is collaborating with the University's Health Directorate, the Nuguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and the School of Public Health to encourage adherence to safety measures. Additionally, awareness campaigns are underway using posters, campus radio, and student leaders to engage the university community.
The Minister concluded by noting that while COVID-19 is no longer regarded as a global emergency, the government remains prepared to manage occasional outbreaks swiftly and effectively.
