Education Minister detained at UGMC over suspected COVID-19

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The Minister of Education Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is currently on admission at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) awaiting results of a COVID-19 test.

A statement issued by his ministry on Wednesday said Napo, as he is affectionately called, has not been well for sometimes now and decided to go in for a second coronavirus test after testing negative previously on June 16.

“He tested negative for the virus, and this informed his decision to travel to his constituency for his acclamation on Saturday 20th June 2020,” the statement said.

The Ministry said the Minister’s detention is a “precautionary measure for further observation due to his condition”.

“Following his return to Accra, he still felt unwell and decided to check himself in for further tests, including a second test for COVID-19. Although the results are not out, he has been detained at the UGMC as a precautionary measure for further observation due to his condition”.

 The Public Relations Officer for the Education Ministry, Kwasi Obeng-Fosu also told Onua TV: “He went for voluntary testing and as a medical doctor; he did not want to mingle so he decided to self isolate.” 

Ghana’s COVID-19 Status

Ten more COVID-19 deaths have been recorded in Ghana, sending the country’s total fatal cases from 85 to 95.

Addressing the press on Tuesday, the Ghana Health Service said recoveries have increased to 10,907.

Some 414 new cases have been confirmed, making the total caseload in the country 14,568.

“We have so far following the review recorded 95 deaths. Currently, we have 24 severe cases across the country and six cases are critical and five persons are currently on ventilators. We have a total of 414 new cases reported from 25 districts across the country and three regions. Which is that about 13 regions did not record any new case yesterday,” the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Abaogye said.

Regional breakdown:

Greater Accra Region – 8,407

Ashanti Region – 2,867

Western Region – 1,148

Central Region – 794

Eastern Region – 400

Volta Region – 314

Upper East Region – 271

Oti Region – 105

Western North Region – 82

Northern Region – 61

Savannah Region – 37

Upper West Region – 35

Bono East Region – 33

Ahafo Region – 8

North East Region – 3

Bono Region – 3

Source: Daily Mail GH