UG: Akandoh must brief Parliament over COVID-19 surge – Minority

The Minority is demanding the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin to immediately summon the Health Minister, Mintah Akandoh to provide clarity and assurances over the resurgence of COVID-19 at the University of Ghana.

Reports of rising infections on the Legon campus have already led to the suspension of social events, with health officials describing the move as necessary to help contain the virus.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, June 27, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh described the situation as alarming and warned that the government’s silence could fuel panic and worsen the outbreak.

“Mr. Speaker, by summoning the Minister of Health to Parliament, the Minority aims to ensure that the government takes proactive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health,” he stated

“We don’t want to relive the turmoil the country endured during the peak of the pandemic,” Annoh-Dompreh said. “The Health Minister must provide clear, factual updates to prevent fear and uncertainty from spiralling further.”

The Minority, however, says the government’s slow response and lack of clear communication are creating uncertainty, especially among students, staff, and residents in surrounding communities.

Nalerigu/Gambaga MP Nurudeen Muhammed Mumuni supported the call for immediate action, stressing the need for accountability and transparency.

“It is a very important issue that we need to get the Health Minister to respond to and update the country as to whether COVID-19 is back or not,” he said.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has since reminded the public that COVID-19 remains a threat, urging continued vigilance despite the country’s return to near-normal life following the World Health Organisation’s lifting of the global health emergency in 2023.