Accra, July 1, 2025 — Ghana’s Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has confirmed a sharp increase in COVID-19 infections, attributing the majority of cases to a localised outbreak at the University of Ghana, Legon.
Speaking before Parliament on Tuesday, the Minister revealed that 107 cases have been confirmed from 316 suspected samples, identifying the Omicron variant as the predominant strain.
“As of now, 316 suspected cases, 107 of those cases have been confirmed as COVID-19. Fortunately, no hospitalisations and no deaths,” Mr. Akandoh stated.
Outbreak Traced to Hall Week Celebrations
The Health Minister cited the university’s recent Hall Week celebrations as the main catalyst for the outbreak. Large gatherings with minimal mask usage and poor social distancing created the perfect storm for viral transmission.
“The most significant factor was the recent Hall Week celebrations… These events brought large crowds together, with little use of face masks or distancing,” he explained.
Containment Measures in Full Swing
In response, the Ministry has:
- Deployed a national response team to coordinate with university and municipal health authorities.
- Held emergency meetings with the Ghana Health Service, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and the School of Public Health.
- Suspended all future Hall Week events on campus until further notice.
- Launched a public education campaign across campus, leveraging student leadership platforms and university radio to reinforce safety protocols.
Nationwide Alert and Public Advice
The Ministry has issued alerts to health facilities nationwide, urging them to monitor for further outbreaks and uphold stringent infection control practices.
Mr. Akandoh advised the general public to:
- Practice proper hand hygiene
- Wear face masks in crowded spaces
- Get vaccinated, especially those due for booster doses
- Avoid gatherings when experiencing symptoms of illness
“Avoid gathering if you are sick,” the Minister cautioned.
So far, the outbreak remains limited to the university community, with no significant spread to other areas of Accra or beyond, according to health officials.
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