Ghana is witnessing a silent resurgence of COVID-19, with actual case numbers likely far higher than official reports suggest, according to Professor Joseph Humphrey Kofi Bonney, Head of Virology at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
Speaking on JoyNews, Professor Bonney sounded the alarm, warning that the virus is "creeping back faster than reported." He said current surveillance data shows a broader spread across multiple regions including Greater Accra, Eastern, Volta, and Ashanti, beyond the recently confirmed cluster at the University of Ghana.
"COVID is now behaving like an endemic virus in Ghana," he said, explaining that regular testing from sentinel sites reveals a concerning rise in infections. "We noticed a spike beginning in February, and by May, cases were emerging from other parts of the country."
The surge at the University of Ghana, which prompted a public advisory, was only a fraction of a much larger national trend, he noted.
Professor Bonney attributed the resurgence partly to the ongoing rainy season, which typically triggers an increase in respiratory infections. He identified the dominant strain as a subvariant of Omicron, described as milder but highly contagious.
“It may not be as severe for healthy individuals, but it’s extremely transmissible,” he warned. “And that puts vulnerable populations—like the elderly and those with underlying conditions—at significant risk.”
Addressing vaccine concerns, he noted that while original COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing severe illness, waning immunity and evolving strains may necessitate booster shots. “These new strains drive the resurgence. Immunity doesn’t last forever, and we need to keep updating our vaccines and public health strategies.”
On campus, University of Ghana officials are tightening safety protocols. Professor Rosina Kyerematen, Dean of Student Affairs, confirmed that case numbers are “gradually increasing,” leading to bans on social gatherings (except lectures) and reinforcement of preventive measures like mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and physical distancing.
She acknowledged student pushback but emphasized the university’s responsibility to protect lives. She also noted the challenge in tracing the origin of infections due to the university's large and mobile population.
As COVID-19 re-emerges across the country, health experts are urging vigilance, booster vaccinations, and a renewed commitment to safety protocols—especially to protect those most at risk
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem