Dear Ashesi Community,

The Ministry of information has shared new confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Ghana this afternoon, as well as additional safety measures to protect all within the country. We do apologise for the delay in this update following that announcement. We have been in discussion with a member of the country’s COVID-19 response team, who has been guiding us as we finalised discussion on the following immediate steps for Ashesi.

a. We are pausing all classes, effective immediately, until further notice.

b. We recognise that many student groups on campus would want to convene and support each other at this time. This is not good safety practice at this time. We are therefore prohibiting large gatherings on campus indefinitely, including all interest based club meetings and faith-based convenings. The University’s counseling team continues to operate and will be available to anyone who needs support.

c. Students who can go home can do so from tomorrow. International students and other students who cannot go home in the near-term are allowed to stay on campus, and all campus services will be available to you. Students who are already at home, are encouraged to stay for this period. Should your parent(s) be coming to campus to pick you up, please note that they will not be allowed into the dorms. Parents would have to meet you in the car park(s) for pick-up.

d. We will be communicating bussing schedules into Accra, for tomorrow and within the week, for students who may need this to go home.

e. Over the next two weeks, we will be entering conversations with faculty and staff; and communicating next steps for the continuation of teaching and learning to the whole university community. Additional communication will be sent to faculty and staff shortly about meeting times.

In the interest of the well-being of our entire community, we will be sending updates like this as frequently as possible to ensure you are all aware of ongoing conversations and planning. Our community, including the Student Council’s leadership, has been amazing in rallying around safety measures. If there was ever a time to live up to Ashesi’s ideals of leadership and citizenship, this is it.

Please do continue to practise all hygiene measures previously communicated and listed here on the WHO’s website: wash your hands frequently; use alcohol-based sanitisers; avoid touching your face; and report any concern to the health team at 0501331668.