The University of Ghana has moved to dispel confusion surrounding its recent suspension of social gatherings on campus, assuring students and the public that academic lectures will proceed uninterrupted.
Professor Rosina Kyeremanten, Dean of Students Affairs, offered the clarification during an interview on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on Thursday, June 26. Her remarks come in the wake of speculation that the directive might also apply to lectures, potentially disrupting academic activities.
“Let me be clear—lectures are not classified as social gatherings under our guidelines,” Prof. Kyeremanten stated.
She explained that the university’s directive is aimed at large, recreational events—such as artiste nights, hall week celebrations, and parties—where noise, crowd density, and physical contact pose heightened health and safety risks.
“In a concert, students are shouting, singing, jumping—there’s very little control over what happens. That’s not the case in a lecture hall,” she said. “Lectures are structured. You don’t have people yelling and dancing.”
Distinction Between Academic and Social Settings
Prof. Kyeremanten emphasized that the university’s approach is grounded in a risk-based assessment of different activities on campus. Academic settings, she said, allow for controlled interactions, with students seated and largely silent while the lecturer delivers content.
“The lecturer is usually the one doing the talking. Even where students contribute, the environment is calm and regulated,” she added.
Health Protocols Remain in Force
Despite this allowance, the Dean stressed that health and safety protocols remain in force for lecture attendance. These include mandatory mask-wearing, hand hygiene enforcement, and adherence to distancing measures wherever feasible.
“We are not taking any chances,” she said. “We will continue to enforce protocols to make lecture rooms safe.”
Context Behind the Suspension
The suspension of social events follows recent concerns over large crowds and the potential for disease transmission on campus. The university is aiming to minimise exposure in high-risk settings while keeping academic life on track.
University authorities say the move is part of a broader health and safety strategy to ensure continuity of learning while limiting unnecessary gatherings.
As the semester continues, students are being urged to cooperate with the new guidelines, avoid organising unauthorised events, and prioritise their safety and academic progress.
