The president, Nana Akufo-Addo has extended the initial one-month ban on public gatherings including religious activities and funerals by an additional two weeks.
The extension comes into full force after he signed the Executive Instrument to give effect to the new measure.
The Director of Communications at the presidency, Eugene Arhin said the extension takes effect from Monday, 13th April, 2020.
“President Akufo-Addo has signed the Executive Instrument (EI) extending the duration of the restrictions imposed under EI 64 and EI 65.
The restrictions imposed on public gatherings, under EI 64, have been extended for a further period of two (2) weeks, with effect from Monday 13th April, 2020,” Eugene Arhin said in a Facebook post.
President Akufo-Addo on March 15, 2020 in a television broadcast declared the ban on all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, church activities and other related events as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country.
At the time, Ghana had recorded six cases of COVID-19.
The president in that broadcast gave a caveat that private burials were permitted however mourners present must not exceed 25.
“Private burials are permitted, but with limited numbers, not exceeding twenty-five (25) in attendance,” President Akufo-Addo said.
Already, schools have been shut down across the country. Most market places are open however under strict social-distancing protocols and the presence of handwashing facilities.
Some local assemblies have moved in to close markets where traders flout the social distancing directives.
Other directives
Eugene Arhin reiterated the President’s directive for the restricted movement of persons within Accra, Tema and Kumasi to be extended by an additional week.
“As announced already, the restrictions imposed on the movement of persons in Accra, Tema, Kumasi and Kasoa, under EI 65, have been extended for a further period of one week with effect from Monday….All other provisions, including all exemptions in EI 64, and EI 65, are still in full force and effect,” he said.
Details of the president’s other directives as outlined in his March 2020 broadcast are as follows:
– The Government of Ghana’s Travel Advisory issued earlier today should be observed as announced;
– 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;
– 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; and
– The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development should co-ordinate, with the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, measures to enhance conditions of hygiene in markets across the country.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |
This is serious and we need to be very careful. the total of death recorded as at the time uk started their lockdown was 800 but today the total number of death here is 10,612. Is very hectic and very serious. I want to plead my fellow Ghanaians to use more herbs and kindly reduce sugar and cold drinks. nim tree is very good and make sure you take inn things that are bitter. I work in hospital and since 3 weeks now if I tell you what is going on. Let use more herbs. boil nim tree and drink and can assure u will be safe.
It is good for us to be indoors but the free utilities should be be free for all the domestic users not some will enjoy it fully and dome will enjoy partially.
This suggestion didn't come from me. I couldn't solve the Dumsor problem how can i solve Corona problem. Leave me alone
The reason why the ban would be extended is that th e president has not analyzed why there is total disregard on his directives. The officials who are to communicate the message are seen to be picking and choosing what /when/how/when to do - a situation which is eye catching. Local chiefs/odikros engagements would have been more productive. Being an election year every aspiring candidate wants to save a little to campaign. This will give the opposition or other competitors to capitalize on the negatives and blow it out of proportion. It's going to be really tough to fight the spread of coronavirus
As at now we are behind and chasing a cure for the virus so a ban is very necessary. Fellow Ghanaians, let us comply with this directives from the president because we are not flattering the curve. It's not the time for NDC/NPP else the death rate would be astronomical. Media publicity on basic hygiene be intensified, social distance awareness to become a slogan on the local radios(FM) stations. Also, discourage men of god/useleesss/visionless and corrupt pastors on radio stations
I think the ban should be extended to end of June and then re access the situation. Also, increase the public education on social distance and basic personal hygiene using the information service vans. Mr President, your initial response and commitment was a total failure, however am solidly behind you to extend the ban in the interest and safety of the citizens. Your ministers should stop the concert approach because the pandemic is real and very serious
It is John Mahama who suggested this to the president.