Lectures to continue at University of Ghana despite COVID-19 resurgence

The University of Ghana has suspended all social events on its Legon campus following a resurgence of COVID-19 cases among students. However, the institution has clarified that academic lectures will continue as scheduled.

In an interview on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on Thursday, June 26, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Rosina Kyerematen, explained that the directive affects only mass social gatherings and not formal academic activities.

“Lectures are not social gatherings,” Professor Kyerematen stated. “In a lecture room, students are seated and listening, not shouting or jumping. The risk of transmission is significantly lower compared to an event like an artiste night, where there’s loud excitement and close physical interaction.”

She added that strict safety measures would be enforced to ensure that the lecture halls remain safe. “We will ensure that students wear face masks in lecture rooms and maintain social distancing as much as possible,” she said.

The clarification comes in the wake of a university-wide notice dated June 25, issued by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, which announced the suspension of all social events organised by student bodies, including the Student Representative Council (SRC), Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Junior Common Rooms (JCR), and departmental associations.

The decision follows the confirmation of multiple COVID-19 cases on campus, prompting the university’s Emergency Response Team to recommend heightened precautions. Although the exact number of infections has not been disclosed, the development has raised concern among students and staff.

The University has had a history of swiftly responding to public health threats. During earlier waves of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, in-person classes were suspended and a shift to online learning was implemented to prevent widespread transmission.

Despite the current uptick in cases, the university is maintaining its academic calendar and is encouraging all members of the campus community to adhere strictly to COVID-19 protocols. University authorities are also urging anyone experiencing symptoms to report immediately to the university’s health services for screening and assistance.

The suspension of social gatherings remains in place until further notice.

Read the full notice by the university:

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