The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reiterated that COVID-19 remains present within the country and has not been eradicated since the onset of the pandemic in 2020.

The Service has warned the public against complacency, particularly in light of new infections recently detected at the University of Ghana.

In an interview on Citi FM on Thursday, 26 June, the Director of Public Health at the GHS, Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, stated that the virus has never been declared eliminated and continues to circulate at low levels nationwide.

“COVID never left. COVID has been with us since 2020. Somewhere last year, the Director-General of WHO said that COVID is no longer an issue of emergency; we never said COVID is gone. If it were gone, WHO would declare an end to the pandemic,” he said.

Dr Asiedu-Bekoe explained that the country’s surveillance systems remain active and have been detecting sporadic cases over time.

He revealed that the recent spike in infections at the University of Ghana likely stemmed from a social event on campus.

“There was this hall week celebration, and because we had a cluster of students, one of whom had the virus, it caused the spread. But I want to put it in context that COVID never left, and this is not the first time we are recording new cases,” he noted.

In response to the outbreak, the University of Ghana has suspended all social events. Dr Asiedu-Bekoe supported the measure, describing it as a prudent step to reduce transmission.

He further urged other institutions to reintroduce basic COVID-19 safety protocols such as proper hand hygiene, the use of face masks in crowded spaces, and prompt medical attention for symptoms.

The University, in a statement on Thursday, confirmed both suspected and confirmed cases on campus and outlined enhanced health surveillance measures.

While officials urge calm, they are appealing to the public to remain vigilant, stressing that although the virus may not be dominating headlines, it has not vanished.