GHS: COVID-19 still a threat after UG spike

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has cautioned the public that COVID-19 remains a persistent health threat, despite the decline in global emergency alerts. This warning follows a spike in infections recently recorded at the University of Ghana.

Speaking on Citi FM on Thursday, June 26, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at the GHS, clarified that the virus was never eradicated. “COVID never left. It has been with us since 2020. WHO only said it’s no longer a global emergency, not that the virus is gone,” he explained.

Spike Linked to Campus Event

Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe attributed the recent outbreak at the University of Ghana to a hall week celebration, where close contact among students led to the spread of the virus. “Clusters like this make it easy for the virus to spread. One infected student at such events is enough to trigger an outbreak,” he said.

In response, the university has suspended all social gatherings and enhanced health surveillance across campus.

GHS Urges Continued Vigilance

The GHS is urging institutions and the public to reintroduce basic safety protocols, including:

• Hand hygiene
• Mask-wearing in crowded areas
• Seeking medical care when symptoms appear

“COVID may not be making headlines, but it hasn’t disappeared,” Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe emphasized.

He added that Ghana’s surveillance systems continue to detect sporadic cases, proving the virus is still active at low levels across the country.