A recent spike in COVID-19 infections at the University of Ghana has been directly attributed to large gatherings during the institution’s hall week festivities, according to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the minister stated that the outbreak, though localized, was a result of poor adherence to basic preventive measures during the popular campus celebrations. He explained that crowded events, minimal face mask usage, and little to no social distancing were the primary triggers of the sudden rise in infections.

“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,” Akandoh told lawmakers.

Despite the uptick, the situation remains under control. As of July 1, 316 suspected cases have been recorded within the university community, with 107 confirmed positive for COVID-19. Encouragingly, no hospitalizations or fatalities have been reported, and all affected individuals are reportedly recovering well from what has been identified as a highly transmissible but mild Omicron sub-variant.

Akandoh praised Ghana’s influenza and disease surveillance systems, particularly the role of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, in quickly detecting and confirming the outbreak.

In response, the University of Ghana has suspended all remaining hall week activities and initiated a campus-wide health education campaign. The Ministry of Health has also mobilized resources to manage the situation, including:


  • Reinforcing staff and logistics at Legon Hospital and the Student Clinic

  • Preparing the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre for any potential severe cases

  • Deploying additional PPE, enhancing contact tracing, and maintaining daily testing

Though COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, Akandoh warned that periodic resurgences remain likely, especially during seasons associated with respiratory illnesses. He reassured Ghanaians that the government has sufficient treatment options, including Paxlovid, and that most mild cases can safely recover at home.

While vaccines are no longer part of routine national immunizations, the ministry is working to procure doses for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and immunocompromised.

The minister also touched on rising cases of seasonal influenza and cholera, urging citizens to maintain strong hygiene practices.

Additionally, Ghana has confirmed 133 cases of MPOX (monkeypox) this year, mostly from the Western, Greater Accra, and Western North regions. However, none of the cases have required hospitalization, and all patients have since recovered.

Minister Akandoh concluded by urging calm and cooperation:

“This is not a return to 2020. This Omicron variant has circulated before. We understand it and know how to manage it. What we need now is vigilance, adherence to protocols, and community responsibility.”

The ministry assured Parliament of its readiness to respond swiftly to emerging health threats and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health.