News
Low COVID-19 mortality in Africa has no correlation with hot climate – UG don
Prof Gordon Awandare (2nd left) being congratulated by some of his colleagues
The Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana in-charge of Students and Academic Affairs, Prof Gordon Awandare, has said that the relatively low COVID-19 mortality recorded in Africa, has nothing to do with the hot climate in Africa, as some people suggested.
Making reference to a research conducted by his team, he observed that the rate of COVID-19 infections among Ghanaians was less, due to frequent exposure to malaria fight from childhood.
Professor Awandare was speaking during his inaugural lecture at the University of Ghana, last Thursday, on the topic: “How our Immune System Acquired Tolerance to Malaria and Helped us Survive COVID-19.”
According to him, the immune system of Ghanaians became tolerant to malaria parasites thereby “protecting them from the severity of the pandemic.”
He again stated that patients, who were infected with malaria parasites but showed no symptoms, had the capability of tolerating malaria parasites.
“Such people are asymptomatic patients and most of them live in malaria endemic areas thus their tolerance for the parasites intrigued my team and I,” he added.
He further noted that children and persons who hadn’t been exposed to malaria before were likely to have severe symptoms of malaria such as headache and little bit of fatigue.
This was also backed by a study he had undertaken in three key areas namely Kintampo, Navrongo and Accra on the differences in transmission rates within the country.
His study observed that despite having “lower parasite levels,” children in Accra were prone to higher fever than those at Kintampo who had huge parasite level.
Professor Awandare, who is also the Founding Director of the West Africa Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), said that COVID-19 showed that African scientists were competent as their counterparts abroad, saying “this is because here at WACCBIP, we were able to sequence and test the virus as others did, thus understanding the virus.”
Professor Awandare stressed the need for the country to position itself towards developing vaccines locally instead of relying on foreign donors, and tasked Ghanaians to continue to support institutions like WACCBIP in order to train more scientists and build capacity.
Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, also underscored that diverse significant roles played by several units of the university during the pandemic, contributed to understanding the pathogens, biology and disease mechanism to generate knowledge for the development of diagnostics, vaccines and drugs.
The inaugral lecture formed part of an exhibition of scholarly works by the renowned professor at the Balme Library, which had begun on Monday.
By Yunusah Essandoh
News
GPL Voilent Dissturbance: One more arrested
The Ghana Police Service has arrested one more suspect, Elizabeth Akosua
Ntiriwaa, alias Akosua Black Chinese.
Her arrest is in connection with the violent disturbances that occurred during the football match between Nsoatreman FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC on February 2, 2025.
This brings to six, the number of suspects arrested so far in connection with the incident.
Elizabeth Akosua Ntiriwaa is currently in Police custody, assisting with the investigation.
The intelligence-led operation and investigation remain ongoing to ensure all perpetrators connected to the incident are arrested and brought to justice.
News
Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah Appointed Deputy Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission of Ghana
President John Mahama has appointed Mr Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah (Ellembele KK) as the new Deputy Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission of Ghana.
With extensive experience in Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS), Engineering, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC), Emmanuel is expected to bring strategic leadership to the Commission during a critical period for Ghana’s mining sector.
His career spans key industries, including construction, oil and gas, and energy, with expertise in pipeline and piping inspection, welding quality control, environmental management, and regulatory compliance.
Emmanuel holds multiple degrees, including an MSc in Energy and Environmental Management from the University of Central Lancashire (UK), an LLB from KAAF University (Ghana), a BSc in Management Studies from Central University College, and an HND in Civil Engineering from Takoradi Technical University.
He has held key roles in leading organizations such as ORSAM Oil and Gas, and Amaja Oilfield Ltd., where he ensured operational efficiency, compliance, and safety. He holds several professional certifications and is an active member of esteemed industry bodies, reinforcing his expertise in quality assurance, environmental sustainability, and regulatory frameworks.
Emmanuel’s appointment is expected to strengthen the Minerals Commission’s ability to regulate and promote sustainable mineral resource development. His leadership, technical knowledge, and commitment to regulatory excellence will play a vital role in ensuring Ghana’s mining sector remains competitive, transparent, and environmentally responsible.
