COVID-19: Akufo-Addo bans all public gathering until further notice

The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo has placed a ban on all public gatherings, including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, sporting events and religious activities, such as services in churches and mosques for the next four weeks.
This follows the increasing number of cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) recorded in the country in few days.
So far, Ghana has recorded six cases of COVID-19.
Addressing the state on Sunday, March 15rh, 2020, the President said that private burials are permitted, but with limited numbers, not exceeding twenty-five (25) in attendance.
He directed all Universities, Senior High Schools, and basic schools, i.e. public and private schools, to shut down by Monday, 16th March, 2020, till further notice.
He said the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, has been tasked to roll out distance learning programmes.
However, President Akufo-Addo said BECE and WASSCE candidates will be allowed to attend school to prepare for their examinations, but with prescribed social distancing protocols.
“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,” he advised.
For establishments, such as supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, night clubs, hotels and drinking spots, he urged them to 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,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo directed the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to co-ordinate, with the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, measures to enhance conditions of hygiene in markets across the country.
Ghana/Atinkaonline.com/ Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori