Govt Fully Prepared to Tackle COVID-19 and Emerging Health Threats – Health Minister Assures

The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has assured Ghanaians that the government is fully prepared to handle any resurgence of COVID-19 and other life-threatening health conditions in the country.

This assurance comes in the wake of recent reports of a rise in COVID-19 cases on the University of Ghana campus. Addressing Parliament on the development, the Minister allayed public fears and emphasized that the situation remains under control.

“Today, I personally visited the University of Ghana to assess the situation firsthand. I engaged with the university’s management and inspected health facilities on campus. I can confidently report that calm has been restored and the outbreak is being effectively managed,” he stated.

Hon. Akandoh noted that the health facility administrators reported a significant reduction in case numbers, and there is no evidence of widespread transmission beyond the campus. He revealed that out of 316 suspected cases, 107 were confirmed positive for COVID-19, mainly linked to a large event held on campus.

“This is not a new variant. It’s the Omicron strain, which we have previously dealt with. Though it spreads rapidly, it typically causes mild symptoms. There is no cause for alarm,” he said.

The Minister stressed that Ghana’s disease surveillance systems remain robust, enabling health authorities to swiftly detect and respond to such outbreaks. He added that surrounding districts have also been tested as a precaution, with no admissions or fatalities recorded so far.

To further bolster the country’s preparedness, Hon. Akandoh announced that the government has initiated steps to procure and stockpile COVID-19 vaccines. Priority will be given to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and persons with underlying health conditions during any future vaccination campaigns.

“We are fully ready to provide the necessary support to the University of Ghana and any other institution that may require intervention. The government remains committed to protecting public health and ensuring that emerging threats are swiftly contained,” the Minister affirmed.

He concluded by urging the public to remain calm but vigilant, emphasizing that COVID-19, though now endemic, is manageable with sustained surveillance and timely response.

Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com