Ghana, like many of its counterparts on the continent, is contending with the fallout from the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Of particular concern is the B.1.1.7 variant first identified in the UK. It is estimated to be up to 70% more infectious and 65% more lethal than the ancestral strain.
Scientists at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogenshave confirmed that B.1.1.7 is now the dominant variant in Ghana based on nationwide genomic surveillance. And that it is responsible for 88% of cases in the capital city.
The ongoing surge in new infections, hospital admissions and deaths has refocused public attention on a situation that the Ghana Medical Association describes as “dire”. Intensive care units are operating at the limits of their staff and space constraints. And more young people appear to be developing severe forms of the illness.
This means that the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in Ghana cannot come quickly enough. With all this the Yendi Municipal Assembly has donated 10,000 Nose Marks & Hand Sanitizer to Assembly Members – 1,400,Traditional Authorities – 1,000, Christian Council- 1,000, Muslims Community- 2,000, Markets/ Lorry Parks – 2,600,Yendi Health Directorate- 1,000, Central Administration/ Decentralized Department- 800 and People With Disabilities (PWD) also had 200 pieces.
