By Prince ASUMAH
The Chamber of Agribusiness has donated 15,000 masks to the Department of Agriculture at the University of Ghana, in response to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases on campus.
The university’s health directorate recently confirmed new positive cases of the virus among the university community.
In response, the institution has suspended all unofficial social gatherings and issued fresh directives urging students and visitors to adhere strictly to COVID-19 safety protocols, including wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing and avoiding large gatherings.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Chief Executive Officer-Chamber of Agribusiness, Anthony Morrison, described the donation as a gesture of solidarity and a commitment to safeguarding academic activities within the agricultural sector.
“This donation is our way of supporting both public health and the continuity of learning in agriculture, especially at a time when our universities are once again under threat from the pandemic,” he said.
The donation aligns with recent appeals for greater private sector involvement in supporting agricultural research and education. In February this year, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – during a meeting with the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – called for increased private sector collaboration.
The Council highlighted that such partnerships are becoming critical, particularly in the wake of major funding cuts from traditional donors such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Also present at the donation event was the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West and Deputy Minister for Agriculture, John Dumelo, who praised the Chamber for its timely intervention.
“This is a commendable gesture. It shows the kind of leadership and civic responsibility the private sector can bring to our public institutions, especially in times of need,” Mr. Dumelo stated.
The Chamber’s support is expected to enhance safety for students and staff within the university’s agricultural department and contribute in broader efforts to maintain a healthy learning environment amid ongoing public health challenges.
