Laboratories in Ghana have been tasked to work round the clock to process a backlog of over 12 thousand samples collected for testing for covid-19.
On Thursday , Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Information Minister, in a tweet said the processing will be in addition to 51,000 samples already tested as at yesterday.
Lab technicians and contact tracing teams were tasked to trace some initial about 10,000 at-risk-persons. However, they have already tested some 50,000.
Ghana is the second most aggressive country in testing for covid-19 in Africa due to the enhanced testing program.
According to experts, early testing is key in helping a country take control of the spread and contain in.
Analysts have said the processing of the backlog should conclude the aggressive testing program aimed at determining Ghana’s infection rate to aid in decision making.
“Many thanks to the contact tracing teams and lab technicians for the aggressive work you are doing. You were tasked to find some about 10k at risk persons. You have done 5x that and so far 51k of your samples have been tested” Mr Nkrumah revealed.
In a further tweet , the Minister said “As you work round the clock to complete the processing of the extra about 12k backlog samples submitted, be encouraged that the nation is grateful for you service, Akpe Na Mi”
641 positive cases of the virus with 83 recoveries and 8 deaths have so far been recorded by Ghana. Having conducted 50,000 tests, Ghana’s infection rate is thought to be around 1.3%
In his last nation address on Ghana’s response, President Akufo-Addo extended the imposition of restrictions in greater part of Accra and Kumasi for one more week to avoid community spread of the virus.
With an infection rate of about 1.3% it remains unclear what the President’s decision will be moving forward.
