In a televised media briefing, President Akufo-Addo made known to the public the measures taken by the Ghana government amidst the fight of COVID-19
The President has directed that all Universities,Senior High Schools and basic schools, must be closed by Monday 16th of March until further notice. The Ministry of education in conjunction of Ministry of Communication has been tasked to roll out distance learning programs. However, BECE and WASSCE candidates Will be allowed to attend school to prepare for their exams, but with prescribed social distancing protocols.
Also all public gatherings such as conferences,workshops,funerals, festivals, political rallies, sporting events and religious activities such as services in churches and mosques have been suspended for the next four (4) weeks. Private burials are permitted but with limited numbers not exceeding 25 in attendance. Businesses and other workplaces can continue to operate, but should observe prescribed social distancing between patrons and staff.
Establishments such as supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, night clubs, hotels and drinking spots, should observe enhanced hygiene procedures by providing amongst others, hand sanitizers, running water and soap for washing of hands.
He has directed that the Ministry of Transport should work with the transport unions and private and public transport operators to ensure enhanced hygienic conditions in all vehicles and terminals, by providing amongst others, hand sanitizers, running water and soap for washing of hands.
Also the Ministry of Local government and Rural development should co-ordinate with Metropolitan,Municipal and District Assemblies, measures to enhance conditions of hygienic markets across the country.
He also stated that, he has directed the Attorney General to submit immediately to parliament emergency legislation, in accordance with Article 21(4) (c) & (d) the Constitution of the Republic to embody these measures, and also the Ministry of Health is to exercise it’s powers, under section 169 of the Public health Act, 2012 (Act 851), by immediate issuance of an Executive instrument to govern the relevant measures.
The President further called upon parliament to support the Executive in the National Endeavour.
Additionally , the President appealed to all Ghanaians to co-operate the Experts conducting contact tracing of people who have come into contact with the already positive cases identified.
By: NK AB