Education Minister detained at UGMC, awaiting COVID-19 results

The Ministry of Education has announced that the Minister for Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is currently detained at the University of Ghana Medical Centre awaiting results of a COVID-19 test.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry, the Manhyia South Member of Parliament (MP) was feeling unwell for a couple of days and decided to go in for a second test after testing negative in a prior test on June 16.

The statement further explained that the Dr Opoku Prempeh's detention is a "precautionary measure for further observation due to his condition".

Tests

The statement disclosed that on June 16, Dr Opoku Prempeh first underwent various tests including COVID-19, after he felt unwell for a couple of days.

After testing negative, he travelled to the Manhyia South constituency in the Ashanti region where he was endorsed as the New Patriotic Party Parliamentary candidate through a popular acclamation on Saturday, June 20, 2020.

"He tested negative for the virus, and this informed his decision to travel to his constituency for his acclamation on Saturday 20th June 2020," the statement said.

"Following his return to Accra, he still felt unwell and decided to check himself in for further tests, including a second test for COVID-19. Although the results are not out, he has been detained at the UGMC as a precautionary measure for further observation due to his condition".

Rebuttal

The Education Ministry's statement comes after some news portals reported that two Ministers (including Dr Opoku Prempeh and another [name witheld]) were on admission at the UGMC in Accra.

The viral reports suggested that the duo were being treated at a place reserved for only persons who have tested positive for COVID-19.