UG Hall Week Celebrations Sparked COVID-19 Resurgence: 107 of 316 Suspected Cases Confirmed - Akandoh
Accra, Ghana - 1 July, 2025 - Ghana's Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has confirmed a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, with a significant outbreak reported on the University of Ghana campus. According to the Minister, 107 cases have been confirmed out of 316 suspected samples, with the Omicron variant identified as the primary driver of the surge.
Fortunately, no hospitalizations or deaths have been reported.
“As of now, 316 suspected cases, 107 of those cases have been confirmed as COVID-19. Fortunately, no hospitalisations and no deaths,” he told lawmakers.
The Minister attributed the rise in infections to the recent Hall Week celebrations on the university's Legon campus, where large crowds gathered with minimal adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.
According to him, an investigation revealed that the events brought people together without proper face mask usage or social distancing.
“Mr. Speaker, 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,” he said.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has deployed a national response team to collaborate with university and municipal health officials. Meetings have been held with key stakeholders, including the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service and heads of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and the School of Public Health.
To contain the spread, all future Hall Week activities on campus have been suspended. Nationwide alerts have been sent to health facilities to remain vigilant, and a campus-wide public education campaign has been launched to reinforce adherence to public health protocols.
The Minister has urged Ghanaians to remain cautious and continue practicing preventive measures, such as proper hand hygiene, wearing face masks in crowded areas, and getting vaccinated, particularly those due for booster shots.
He also advised individuals to avoid gatherings if they are sick.
“Avoid gathering if you are sick.''
Source: Lead News Online
