1584 people were arrested from April, 2020 to January 17, 2021 for flouting the Covid-19 restrictions.
Out of the number, 453 were sent to court, 237 were acquitted, 144 were granted bail while 74 were prosecuted.
Two of suspects failed to appear before court and a bench warrant has been issued.
Speaking at a press conference held in Accra on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at the Ministry of Information, the Director of Public Affairs, Ghana Police Service, Supt. Sheila Abayie Buckman, said after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo urged the police to enforce restrictions over a week ago, the police had arrested 961 persons who flouted the covid-19 protocols from January 18th till date when the service embarked on sensitization and arrest programme.
In Accra, she said 330 were arrested whiles 137 were arrested in the Eastern Region.
She said the police gave a verbal caution to 484 people who were discharged adding that 477 were granted bail.
Supt. Sheila Abayie Buckman said the police is going to enhance the sensitization and arrest persons who do not adhere to covid-19 safety protocols.
She said the IGP has instructed that all officers wear their masks and ensure they are also adhering to the protocols.
She said the offices have been given disinfectants to disinfect their offices, vehicles and other important places.
She also said the police will engage with other stakeholders as well as Municipal Assemblies to see how they will use their by-laws to regulate the people on the Covid-19 protocols.
She urged bar operators to ensure they adhere to safety protocols.
Supt. Sheila Abayie Buckman said the next step by the police is random search at points across the country.
“It can be both private or commercial vehicles. As long as two or more people are in a vehicle, it may be stopped and checked. Those who are not in mask will be brought down,” she said.
For repeat offenders, she said,”If you are a repeat offender, you will be prosecuted.”
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
