University of Ghana Suspends Social Gatherings Amid COVID-19 Surge; Lectures to Continue

The University of Ghana has suspended all social events on its Legon campus after a spike in COVID-19 infections among students. However, lectures will proceed as scheduled, according to a directive issued by the Dean of Student Affairs.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on Thursday, June 26, Professor Rosina Kyerematen, Dean of Student Affairs, clarified that only social gatherings are affected — not academic lectures.

“Lectures are not social gatherings,” she explained. “In a lecture hall, students listen and take notes quietly. The risk of transmission is much lower compared to a social event like an artiste night, where there is loud excitement and close contact.”

She assured the public that strict safety protocols would be in place for lectures. “Students must wear face masks and maintain social distancing in lecture rooms,” she added.

The announcement follows a June 25 notice from the Dean of Student Affairs’ office, which banned all social gatherings organized by student bodies — including the Student Representative Council (SRC), Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Junior Common Rooms (JCRs), and departmental groups.

The decision was prompted by several confirmed COVID-19 cases on campus, as recommended by the university’s Emergency Response Team. While the exact number of infections has not been released, the increase in cases has raised concern among the university community.

The University of Ghana, which previously adopted online teaching during COVID-19 waves in 2020 and 2021, assured that this current surge would not interrupt the academic calendar. University authorities continue to encourage strict adherence to safety protocols and urge those with symptoms to report immediately to campus health services for testing and care.

Social events will remain suspended until further notice.

Read the full notice by the university: