For the past few months, the whole world has been saddled with a very dangerous virus known as the Corona Virus (COVID-19). This has indeed been an albatross around the necks of the entire human race because of its deadly nature. As a result of this, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the outbreak of this virus a pandemic. Ghana, as at today (23-03-2020) has recorded about twenty-four (24) cases of COVID-19 with one (1) death. The President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been addressing the nation regularly to inform the citizenry on the various measures being put in place to contain the situation. Ghana Health Service has also been informing the citizenry with situational reports and giving them a very useful education to guide them.

Following an appeal by the President of Ghana to Pharmaceutical Companies and other entities that have the capacity to help in the production of hand sanitizers to improve upon the situation, Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) has as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) produced and distributed over one thousand bottles of hand sanitizers and educational materials to the members of the University community and people within its vicinity free of charge on Friday. Residents in areas like Asem, Asafo, Fanti New Town and Amakom benefitted from this exercise.

The exercise which was spearheaded by the Public Relations Office of the University in conjunction with KsTU Health Directorate and the Pharmaceutical Department was meant to promote education on COVID-19. In addition to the distribution of hand sanitizers, educational materials like flyers and posters containing preventive tips on the pandemic were shared to sensitize the members of the community to show how the virus spreads and its deadly nature. The recipients of the hand sanitizers and the educational materials were very appreciative and full of praise for the University.

Speaking to the media during the exercise, the Vice-Chancellor of KsTU, Ing. Prof. Osei-Wusu Achaw emphasized that Technical Universities which have the expertise should be encouraged by the Government and the public-spirited individuals to produce hand sanitizers in large quantities so that every Ghanaian can afford to help deal with the pandemic.

KsTU has made very impressive moves in handling the COVID-19 within the University community. Educational materials have been printed and posted on various notice boards and vantage points at both Amakom and Adako Jachie campuses of the University. Also, the University has put in place KsTU COVID -19 Emergency Response Team (ERT) that is mandated to handle all issues related to the pandemic on the University campuses. Furthermore, KsTU COVID-19 workplace ethics have been developed to guide and regulate the activities of staff on campus. Finally, a webpage has been designed on the Institution’s website where news related to how members of staff can stay safe from the virus could be accessed.