All academic activities in the University of Cape Coast have been suspended until further notice.
This is according to a statement signed by the Registrar of the University, John Kofi Nyan.
This comes on the back of an order by President Nana Akufo-Addo for the immediate shut down of all educational facilities in the country, following the confirmation of more novel coronavirus cases in the country.
On Sunday 15th March 2020, the government disclosed that Ghana had recorded four more cases of the virus bringing the total number of cases to six.
The statement noted that “all students of the University have up to 6:00 pm on Saturday, 21st March 2020 to leave campus until further notice. Halls of residence will be closed after 6:00 pm.”
The management of the University further urged the students to “adhere to regulations on Demonstrations, Rallies, Assemblies and Processions (DRAP) of the University, maintain social distancing and observe precautionary measures on COVID-19.”
Background
The government of Ghana on Sunday, March 15, 2020, as part of efforts to stop the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) announced new public gathering advisories.
The advisories were given by President Nana Akufo-Addo in a special national address following the announcement of four new confirmed cases of the disease in the country.
Among other things, universities, senior high schools and basic schools have been asked to close down effective Monday, March 16, 2020.
Concerts, workshops, sporting events and all religious events have also been banned by the President.
He noted in his address that the ban will be in force for the next four weeks.
Other schools shut down
The Ghana International School on Friday, March 13, 2020, announced that it has temporarily closed down following the outbreak of the coronavirus in Ghana.
This was disclosed by the Head Principal of the school, Dr. Mary Ashun in a communiqué to parents, staff and community members of the school.
The school explained that the move is in line with its board’s policy on emergencies.
Other international schools in Ghana including the Lincoln Community School and the Roman Ridge school had also served notice of doing same following the outbreak.
Sources at the Lincoln Community School confirmed to Citi News that fears are high as some parents with wards in the school are working for staff at the Norwegian Embassy in Ghana and have probably come into contact with a top official of the Embassy said to have tested positive to coronavirus.
The management of the University of Ghana, Legon has suspended lectures following confirmation that one of its students has been infected with COVID-19.
The school has also banned non-residential students from coming to campus until further notice.
Also inclusive in this is the Ashesi University.