Ghana’s Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has informed Parliament of a recent COVID-19 outbreak at the University of Ghana, with cases linked to the Omicron sub-variant.
He explained that the spike was first flagged by the national influenza surveillance system and later confirmed by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. So far, the outbreak appears to be contained within the university community.
Updating MPs further, the Minister also revealed that as of June 29, 2025, 133 cases of MPOX have been confirmed across the Greater Accra, Western, and Western North Regions. Fortunately, there have been no hospitalizations or fatalities, and most patients have fully recovered.
In response to both outbreaks, the Ministry of Health has activated a national response, supplying personal protective equipment (PPE), test kits, and treatment resources. Frontline health workers are also receiving the necessary support. Emergency facilities such as the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre remain on standby.
MP for Essikado-Ketan, Grace Ayensu-Danquah, urged intensified public education on face masks and hand hygiene, especially in school settings.
Minister Akandoh reassured the House and the public:
“This is not a new virus, and we are not back in 2020. The Omicron variant spreads quickly, but it is mostly mild. Our surveillance systems are working, and we are fully prepared to respond.”
