The Ghanaian Ministry of Health has confirmed a localized COVID-19 outbreak at the University of Ghana, with 107 confirmed cases as of July 1, 2025.
Hon. Minister for Health, addressing Parliament, attributed the spike to recent Hall Week celebrations where large gatherings and low adherence to safety protocols facilitated the spread. The cases involve the Omicron sub-variant, known for high transmissibility but mild symptoms, with no hospitalizations or deaths reported. The minister emphasized that Ghana’s robust disease surveillance system, including the Noguchi Memorial Institute, enabled early detection and containment.
The government has swiftly implemented measures to curb the outbreak, including suspending Hall Week activities, launching campus-wide awareness campaigns, and enhancing testing and contact tracing. Additional resources have been deployed to the University’s health facilities, while the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre remains on standby for severe cases. The minister reassured the public that this is not a return to the pandemic’s peak, citing Ghana’s proven capacity to manage such flare-ups. Vaccines and treatments like Paxlovid are available, though COVID-19 jabs are no longer part of routine immunization.
Amid the COVID-19 response, the Ministry also highlighted concurrent health concerns, including seasonal flu and sporadic cholera and MPOX cases. The public was urged to practice hygiene, wear masks in crowded spaces, and seek early medical care if symptomatic. The minister called for calm, stressing that vigilance—not panic—is key. “We’ve beaten back bigger waves before,” he stated, underscoring the nation’s preparedness and collective responsibility to safeguard public health.
