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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced a second phase of easing of restrictions in the country.

According to him, "after further extensive consultations, Government has taken the decision to embark upon the implementation of Phase Two of the easing of restrictions in the following sectors of our national life."

Addressing the nation on the measures his government is taking to fight the spread of the novel Coronavirus in Ghana, the President said the limitation on church and mosque attendance has been lifted.

The duration which was an hour, has now been increased to 2 hours, effective next Sunday.

"I am, therefore, very happy to announce that, in consultation with our Church leaders, from 1st August, 2020, the restrictions on the number of congregants worshipping at a time in Church will be lifted, with the length of worship extended from one (1) to two (2) hours per service. Church leaders, who are desirous of implementing this enhanced easing directive, must ensure that congregants wear face masks at all times, and the one (1) metre social distancing rule is scrupulously applied. These same guidelines apply to worship in our Mosques. With greater numbers of congregants likely to return for worship, I would, respectfully, ask the religious leaders to pay even greater attention to the fresh air ventilation of their premises, rather than relying on the use of air conditioners," President Akufo-Addo announced.

Tourism

In what could possibly pass for a way of promoting domestic tourism since the country's borders are still closed, the First Gentleman gave the leeway for tourist sites and open-air drinking spots to function. He, however, declared that "beaches, pubs, cinemas and nightclubs, remain closed until further notice."

"In consultation with the Ghana Tourism Authority and the health experts, I am announcing the reopening of our nation’s tourist sites and attractions, so they can begin to receive visitors. Open-air drinking spots can now function. The management of these facilities are tasked to enforce enhanced hygiene and social distancing protocols. Beaches, pubs, cinemas and nightclubs, however, remain closed until further notice," the President stated.

Trotro operating in full capacity

The President has also given the go-ahead for public transport workers to operate in full capacity.

"In consultation with the Ministries of Transport and Aviation and the leadership of transport operators, Government has taken the decision to lift the restrictions in the transport sector, and allow for full capacity in our domestic airplanes, taxis, trotros and buses. The wearing of masks in vehicles and aircrafts, and the maintenance of enhanced hygiene protocols, remain mandatory" he indicated.