The Ministry of Health has established a Donation Desk to assist philanthropists and corporate entities wishing to donate medical equipment and materials from outside Ghana.
Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, made the announcement during an engagement with the Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra on Tuesday, explaining that the initiative will help the Ministry facilitate tax waivers on such donations for the collective benefit of the Ghanaian people.
He encouraged interested individuals and organisations to contact the Donation Desk via the hotline: 0204611611 for assistance.
COVID-19 Outbreak at University of Ghana
Earlier, Mr. Akandoh briefed Parliament on the recent COVID-19 outbreak at the University of Ghana, assuring the public that there is no cause for panic, as a robust disease surveillance system is in place to contain the situation.
He reported that 316 suspected cases of the Omicron variant were identified, with 107 confirmed cases, but no deaths or hospitalisations had been recorded.
“Mr Speaker, I want to assure Ghanaians that this is not a new virus, and we are not back in 2020. This Omicron variant has been with us before. It spreads fast, yes, but it is mostly mild. And we know how to manage it,” Mr. Akandoh said.
He added that the outbreak is currently localized to the university campus and has not significantly spread to Accra communities or other parts of the country.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to providing full support to manage the outbreak, including stockpiling vaccines and personal protective equipment (PPEs).
Investigations revealed that recent Hall Week celebrations at the university contributed to the spread of the virus due to non-adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.
Heightened Public Health Response
In response, the Ministry’s disease surveillance team is working closely with the University’s Health Directorate, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and the School of Public Health to intensify education and encourage adherence to preventive measures.
Campus-wide awareness campaigns have been launched using posters, campus radio stations, and student leaders to reach the broader university community.
Mr. Akandoh noted that while COVID-19 is no longer classified as a global emergency, occasional outbreaks may still occur. He assured Ghanaians that the government remains prepared to respond swiftly and effectively.
GNA
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