TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • Cuban doctors land in South Africa to help with COVID-19 treatment

    A team of Cuban medics has arrived in South Africa to help the country limit the spread of coronavirus, South Africa’s department of health has tweeted.

    The Cuban doctors are to be deployed to different provinces by South Africa’s Department of Health, Cuba’s ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson has said.

    The two countries have close ties as Cuba was instrumental in the fight against white-minority rule in South Africa, which did not end until 1994 when anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela was elected president.

    South Africa, with more than 4,500 Covid-19 cases, is one of the worst-hit African countries, but it appears to have been successful in slowing the spread of the virus.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Coronavirus: Testing creates long tailbacks at Kenya-Uganda border

    There have been long tailbacks on the Kenyan side of the border with Uganda after the government began mandatory testing of long-distance lorry drivers to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

    The government announced that all drivers will be tested before crossing the border after Uganda confirmed that eight Kenyan drivers had tested positive for the virus.

    Kenya’s NTV channel shared a video of the tailback at the border.

    Citizen TV has also shared pictures and said that the tailback was 30km (19 miles) long:

    Last week, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni said the authorities in both countries were discussing ways to reduce cross-border coronavirus cases.

    As well as mandatory testing, they also proposed relay driving, where drivers hand over vehicles to their Ugandan counterparts at the border.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Liberia’s justice minister tests positive for coronavirus

    The health authorities in Liberia have announced that Justice Minister Frank Musa Dean has tested positive for Covid-19 and was receiving treatment in a hospital outside the capital, Monrovia.

    Mr Dean is quoted in the independent FrontPage Africa newspaper as saying late Sunday night he had been informed by Dr Musoko Fallah, head of the National Public Health Institute (NPHIL), that his Covid-19 test results came back positive

    “I am hopeful,” Mr Dean is quoted as saying by the FrontPage Africa newspaper.

    “The doctors at the 14 Military Hospital are very professional and doing their best. Remember, the virus is posing a challenge to even developed countries with far more sophisticated health systems.

    “At the moment no-one knows everything about the virus. We must continue to observe the health protocols, especially as it relates to social distancing.”

    Mr Dean tested positive two days after the virus had reportedly killed a government official who had attended meetings with the justice minister.

    Source: bbc.com/

  • Burundi starts campaign to replace long-serving leader

    Burundi’s political parties are set to launch campaigns on Monday for next month’s general elections to replace President Pierre Nkurunziza, who has been in power since 2005.

    Seven candidates, including two independents, are in the race for the top job.

    The ruling CNDD-FDD party’s candidate, Major General Evariste Ndayishimiye, and Agathon Rwasa of the main opposition party, the National Congress for Liberty (CNL), are considered the front runners.

    The campaigns start amid the coronavirus pandemic and fears by the opposition of repression.

    Mjr Ndayishimiye is expected to start his campaign in the new political capital, Gitega, while Mr Rwasa will be in Ngozi province in the north.

    Despite not vying for the elections, President Nkurunziza may retain considerable power after the poll because under a controversial new law he is due to be given the title of “supreme leader”.

    The rights monitoring group, Human Rights Watch, has released a report that warned about a crackdown on opposition politicians and independent media.

    Last week, the CNL said more than 10 of its members were killed in recent months and 200 have been jailed.

    The oarty has accused security forces and members of the ruling party’s youth wing, Imbonerakure, for the attacks against opposition members. But the government has strongly refuted the claims.

    Burundi has so far recorded 14 cases of Covid-19, four recoveries and one death.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Coronavirus: Kenya reopens restaurants with strict guidelines

    Kenya’s health minister has allowed restaurants to reopen and issued guidelines that must be adhered to when offering services.

    Mutahi Kagwe has said all restaurant workers will be tested before the premises are reopened.

    He told restaurant owners not to offer buffets – to avoid people walking up and down the premises. Sitting arrangements should also ensure patrons are 1.5 metres apart.

    Operating time will be between 05:00 local time (03:00 GMT) to 16:00 to allow workers reach home before the start of the 19:00 curfew time.

    Mr Kagwe said all bars in the country would remain closed.

    The Daily Nation newspaper tweeted a video of the minister announcing the guidelines:

    Restaurants in Kenya were previously only allowed to serve take-away food to customers, but most of them closed altogether citing reduced number of customers.

    The government last week singled out restaurants among businesses that are struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

    Mr Kagwe on Monday announced eight new cases of coronavirus bringing the total to 363.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Lagos makes wearing face masks compulsory

    The authorities in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, have made the wearing of face masks mandatory in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.

    The number of confirmed cases in the city stands at 731, more than half of the total confirmed cases in Nigeria.

    The government said that anyone who fails to use a face mask in a public place in the city will be penalised.

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the government will distribute face masks to residents.

    The state has a population of about 20 million people and many of them live in cramped housing conditions.

    Lagos state and neighbouring Ogun state as well as the capital, Abuja, have been in lockdown for a month.

    President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to decide later today on whether the lockdown will be extended.

    Some 40 people have died of the virus in Nigeria as the number of total confirmed cases surged to 1273 as at Sunday night.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Police impound 200 motorbikes in Accra

    The police have impounded an additional 200 motorbikes from riders for allegedly disregarding the social distancing protocol in various parts of the Greater Accra Region.

    Some of the riders were also detained while others bolted and abandoned their motorbikes upon seeing the police.

    The operation, dubbed “Operation social distancing,” was based on a directive from the Accra Regional Police Command to all divisional commands in the region following an earlier operation by the regional command in which 130 motorbikes were impounded, and some riders arrested.

    Operation

    Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Accra Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Frederick Adu, said the operations were carried out by the Baatsona, Kaneshie, Dansoman, Nima and the Tesano divisional police commands in their jurisdictions while the Accra Central Motor Transport and Traffic Department (MTTD) also joined in the exercise in their area of responsibility.

    He said the Dansoman Division impounded 60 bikes, Kaneshie, 40; Accra Central MTTD, 40; Tesano, 31; Baatsona, 19 and Nima, 10.

    Prosecution

    Mr Adu Anim explained that the operation was meant to enforce social distancing on motorbikes as part of measures to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

    “Motorbike riders are banned from picking a pillion rider in order to observe the social distancing protocol and prevent the spread of the coronavirus as directed by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” he said.

    He said the riders who were arrested had been screened and would be put before the Motor Courts.

    Ongoing exercise

    DCOP Anim said many people had misconstrued the lifting of the partial lockdown as freedom to go back to normal life and reminded all that, all the directives outlined by the President to help curb the spread of the infection were still in force.

    “The public is reminded that all the directives the President has outlined, including the ban on social, public and religious gatherings, motorbike riders carrying pillion riders to encourage social distancing are very much in place and they are advised to comply.”

    The exercise, DCOP Anim stressed, had not ended and warned that the police were likely to impound more motorbikes.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Police seek public help to arrest people who pocketed spilled robbery cash

    The Tema Regional Police Command is asking the public to assist with information that could lead to the arrest of persons said to have pocketed spilled cash by robbers in Tema.

    The police have already charged seven persons with stealing in connection with the robbery incident that occurred in the metropolis Thursday afternoon.

    The seven were alleged to be among persons picked up in a swoop conducted by the police last Friday after a two-man armed robbery gang spilled the booty in their bid to escape from the pursuing police.

    A statement by the police issued Sunday said the seven suspects were arrested for taking part in the scramble for bank notes and that three of the suspects, namely Richard Attoh alias Amartey, 30, Qaadir Bancey, 31 and Awudu Mohammed alias Vuga, 36 admitted in their caution statement that they took part in the scramble and pocketed a total of GH¢2,500.00 from the crime scene.

    The other four suspects are Sulemana Bancey, 62, Kwesi Hanson Smith, 66, Kabul Akuaku, 53 and David Nartey Daniels, 30.

    Recall
    The Police in Tema on Thursday, April 23, 2020 responded to a robbery incident during which they shot and killed two suspected armed robbers who attempted to bolt with Gh¢123,345.00 in two polythene bags, belonging to two businessmen, a Ghanaian and a Lebanese who sell frozen fish at the Tema Fishing Harbour.

    The two had made a withdrawal from the Community One branch of Zenith Bank near the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) but were reportedly trailed by the two gunmen on a motorbike.

    In the course of a shootout and the resultant melee, one of the robbers allegedly spilled the booty on the street leading to onlookers scrambling for the money.

    According to the police only GH¢2,500 was retrieved from the incident and want members of the public who witnessed the incident to provide information leading to the arrest and retrieval of all the money robbed from the victims.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Six lockdown lawbreakers test positive for COVID-19

    Six persons out of 32 arrested within the Adentan Municipality for failing to comply with the restrictions on movement order during the partial lockdown have tested positive for COVID-19.

    The test results were released after the Adentan Circuit Court, where they were standing trial, granted them bail which has since been executed.

    Those who have tested positive include three men and three women.

    Three of them have been contacted by the COVID-19 Response Team, while one of them, the police indicated, had travelled to the Oti Region.

    In reaction to the confirmed cases, the Adentan Divisional Police Station has been disinfected while samples of some officers and inmates on remand at the station have been taken for testing.

    Screening and tracing

    Updating the Daily Graphic on the status of the 32 accused persons, the Public Relations Officer of the Accra Regional Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mrs Effia Tenge, said on April 25, 2020, the Adentan COVID-19 Response Team informed the police that six of the accused persons who were put before court and screened on the orders of the court for COVID-19, had tested positive.

    However, she said the police had on April 20, 2020, executed the bail order by the court and released 27 of the accused persons, including those who had tested positive. They were to reappear before the court on May 9, 10 and 12, 2020.So far, Mrs Effia Tenge said, the three persons had reported to the COVID-19 Response Team and they were currently being managed.

    She also said that information available to the police indicated that one of the accused persons and a minor who was with the accused at the time of arrest, had travelled to the Oti Region and the Adentan COVID-19 Response Team had subsequently alerted the Oti Region Health Team for contact tracing and isolation.

    The team, she indicated, had also screened and taken samples from 15 inmates already in the cells who came into contact with the affected persons.

    Convict rejected

    One of the accused persons, Mohammed Gariba, who was convicted and sentenced by the court, was rejected by the prison authorities when he was taken to the Nsawam Medium Prisons on April 20, 2020 to commence his four-year sentence.

    Mrs Tenge said the prison authorities had indicated that the prisons no longer admitted new convicts and that they were to be detained in police custody for further directives.

    A team from the Police Hospital, therefore, visited the Adentan Police Station for assessment and after interacting with the Adentan COVID-19 Response Team, they took custody of Gariba and a remand prisoner who was also in the custody of the police for isolation.

    Police personnel tested

    Also, 20 personnel of the Adentan Divisional Police have been tested to ascertain their status.

    They are awaiting the results of the test and the situation has caused some anxiety among the personnel.

    A source close to the divisional command told the Daily Graphic when it visited the station last Saturday that the officers were also at post and had not been asked to stay home.

    The source said in dealing with the suspects, the police had worn their nose masks but did not use gloves or other personnel protective equipment (PPE) as required.

    “Immediately the results of the test on the samples were confirmed as positive, some of the officers became worried, but in collaboration with the COVID-19 Response Team, samples of 20 officers who had come into contact with the suspects were taken and we are awaiting results.

    “Though we had our masks on, the suspects arrested and brought to the station did not have masks on, thus there was a risk of officers being exposed to the virus, causing some apprehension.

    “ Of course, they are human beings, so naturally they will be worried about the situation, particularly, as they wait for the results. However, they are being counselled and we are awaiting the outcome of the test to know the next line of action,” the source said.

    Personnel safety

    The source also reminded all police personnel to be mindful of the detailed briefing on the COVID-19 operations and safety measures which have become part of the daily briefing of operational activities to ensure their safety in the discharge of their duties.

    “Ahead of Ghana recording its first case of COVID-19, the Ghana Police Service held workshops for personnel and it included all the safety precautions and divisional and district commands are required to get their personnel to go by the details of the briefings.

    “Additionally, some basic PPE have been provided for all stations and personnel to ensure the adherence to the safety precautions.

    “Personnel are thus encouraged to ensure their safety at all levels by having their nose masks and hand gloves on in all operations; they should not take it for granted,” the source advised.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • NPP parliamentary candidate supports aged, vulnerable

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Ketu South, Mr David Tiahno Quarshie, has donated assorted items to the aged and other vulnerable people in the constituency.

    The items included bags of maize, sachet water, mosquito repelling insecticide, boxes of bar soap and matches – all costing about GH¢40,000.

    It was distributed to residents in border communities who are hardest hit by restrictions introduced to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID 19.

    Beneficiaries

    A total of 1,170 elderly people in the 39 electoral areas of the constituency, alongside 120 head porters at the Aflao border, benefited from the generosity of Mr Quarshie.

    One of the beneficiaries, Ms Awleshie Gemegah, 80, expressed her gratitude to Mr Quarshie for the gesture and said it would keep her going for some time.

    The assembly member for Adafienu, Mr David Anani Eglu, also applauded Mr Quarshie for the support at such a critical time, when COVID-19 had turned the world upside down.

    He gave an assurance that the local assembly would do its bit to assist those in real need.

    Mr Justice Tamekloe, a Unit Committee Member in Denu, said the donation to the elderly could not have come at a better time.

    Demands

    In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Quarshie said he was moved by the challenges confronting the people, hence his decision to support the aged and vulnerable.

    He said it was important he assisted the people because he hoped to represent them in Parliament after the 2020 elections.

    “This is my personal contribution to the people. It is not enough and I will appeal to the government to still help because in Ketu South, we are indirectly locked down as a result of the border closure,” he said.

    That, he said, was making life really difficult for residents who lived from hand to mouth and often required crossing the border daily to feed themselves and their families.” –

    Source: GNA

  • COVID-19 flattens road fatalities by 40% during lockdown

    The deadly coronavirus has caused a drastic cut in road accident fatalities even though it is synonymous with deaths and hospitalisation of its victims.

    The disease which compelled President Nana Akufo-Addo to lockdown some parts of the country between March 30, 2020, and April 20, 2020, has plummeted national road mortalities by 40%, a significant slump from 115 to 69, for the same period in 2019.

    The restriction of movement placed in Accra, Kumasi, Kasoa and Tema, areas that were considered epicentres, resulted in less vehicular population and road users on the streets, according to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD).

    The Head of Education, Research and Training at the MTTD, Superintendent Alex Obeng, told theghanareport.com in an exclusive interview: “While last year by now 115 Ghanaians have been killed, this year, though one death is one too many when you look at the figures, it is obvious that there has been a significant massive reduction in terms of deaths to 69”.

    Comparing statistics from the MTTD for the same period, vehicles involved in crashes reduced from 1,346 to 759, a dip of a significant 44 percent.

    Road accidents during lockdown, Source: theghanareport.com with data from MTTD

    Motor riders were banned from picking a pillion riders in order to observe social distancing protocols and resulted in a slash of motorcycle accidents from 278 to 216. There were fewer vehicles on the roads due to the temporary closure of many businesses with some personnel working from home. Only essential workers were permitted to continue normal duties. As a result, private vehicles involved in carnage declined from 606 to 280 and commercial vehicles from 462 to 263.

    Motor accidents during lockdown compared to same period in 2019
    Motor accidents during lockdown compared to the same period in 2019

    The total number of crashes reported also recorded a downward trend from 785 to 472, approximately 40% reduction.

    Pedestrian knockdown which was 173 in the previous with 36 deaths, also fell to 128 with 26 being killed.

    Head of Education, Research and Training at the MTTD, Superintendent Alex Obeng
    Head of Education, Research and Training at the MTTD, Superintendent Alex Obeng

    Superintendent Obeng observed, “The less vehicle and road users there are on any road space, there is a high propensity of minimal conflict leading to minimal preventable crash incidents”.

    Meanwhile, the country has recorded 1,279 total cases, with 134 recoveries and 10 deaths, as of March 24.

    The Greater Accra Region has recorded the highest number of cases with 1,089 followed by the Ashanti Region with a wide gap recording 69.

    Source:theghanareport.com

  • Live by the values of Ramadan Akufo-Addo to Muslims

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged Muslims in Ghana to be committed to the principles of love, sacrifice and dedication to duty as they begin their annual Ramadan this year.

    Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide, as a month of fasting and prayer.

    Its annual observance is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam.

    Nana Akufo-Addo, in a message to wish Muslims well as they embark on the 30-day fast, encouraged them to continue to commit themselves to the good of humankind even after the fast.

    The full message read: “I send greetings to Muslims in Ghana and around the world on the occasion of the Ramadan fast. The month of Ramadan has been instituted for Muslims to dedicate themselves to God and to the service of humankind. It is a month of intense devotion and commitment to the principles of love, sacrifice and dedication to duty.

    “In this month, let us strive to live by these values so that even beyond Ramadan we continue to commit ourselves to the good of humankind and our fellow Ghanaians. I wish all Muslims the best of the month. May the Almighty Allah bless us all and make our nation great and strong.”

    Source: Class FM

  • Ursula Owusu blames the media for COVID-19 app virtual concert controversies

    Minister for Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has blamed the media for the COVID-19 Application virtual concert controversies.

    According to her, the media likes feeding on negative news.

    She noted that if there is 99% good in something and 1% negative the media will choose to focus on that.

    Ursula Owusu also cited the case of food distribution during the lockdown period of which she said benefited a lot of vulnerable people but the media sometimes choose to focus on the negative aspect of it.

    In her view, there are many ways music could be used to make an impact that is why the Ministry opted for a virtual concert on a day that everybody was home.

    Controversies

    The virtual concert which was held on Easter Monday to launched the Covid-19 Application came under heavy criticism.

    Critics of the concert believe the virtual event was a waste of money and time. They said the energy put into the event could have been channelled into more profitable things that will help prevent the spread of the virus.

    They also argue that the Ministry of Information press briefings could have been used for the said purpose.

    The app was aimed at helping health authorities track Covid-19 cases in the country.

    Source: Prime News Ghana

  • Coronavirus: Oti joins affected regions with 13 cases at a go

    The Oti Region has recorded 13 cases of COVID-19 at a go, the Ghana Health Service has announced.

    Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases in Ghana has jumped from 1,154 to 1,279.

    Regional breakdown

    Greater Accra 1,089, Ashanti Region 69, Eastern Region 56, Northern Region 13, Central Region 9, Volta Region 10, Upper West Region 8, North-East Region 2, Western North Region 1 and Western Region 1.

    Only four out of the 16 regions are still COVID-19-free.

    They include Savannah Region, Bono Region, Ahafo Region and Bono East Region.

    Also, the number of patients who have recovered has jumped from 120 to 134.

    Additionally, the death toll has increased by one from nine to 10 as of Friday, 24 April 2020.

    Source: Class FM

  • GT. Accra records highest COVID-19 cases in Ghana

    The Greater Accra Region has so far recorded 901 confirmed COVID-19 (Coronavirus) cases out of the 1,154 cases nationwide.

    According to the Ghana Health Service, 318 positive cases of the lot were recorded under routine surveillance while 583 cases were recorded through enhanced contact tracing.

    Below is the district-by-district distribution of the cases in the Greater Accra Region:

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Weighing has not stopped with COVID-19 — GHS

    The acting Director of the Family Health Division of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Isabella Sagoe-Moses, has called on parents to continue taking their young children to the Child Welfare Clinics, popularly known as “weighing”, on their scheduled dates for service.

    She said the clinics were still in full operation to ensure the health of children was not compromised due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Speaking to the Daily Graphic, she said: “Essential services such as immunisation, Vitamin A supplementation and growth promotion are still being delivered.”

    Get children immunised

    Dr Sagoe-Moses said this was the time parents had to get their children immunised because if they did not, the children stood the risk of contracting any of the diseases they were normally immunised against.

    Such children, she added, could die from vaccine-preventable diseases or end up with disabilities like blindness, deafness or lameness.

    “Routine Child Welfare Services are very important for optimal child growth and development. Children still need to be immunised, they need their Vitamin ‘A’ supplements which will boost their immunity and without which they will be at a higher risk of infections, including COVID-19,” she stated.

    Prevention measures

    Dr Sagoe-Moses indicated that the GHS had put in place various measures at the clinics to prevent the possibility of parents or their children getting infected with COVID-19 when they visit.

    These, she said, included handwashing facilities for clients and health workers, preventing overcrowding and attending to the children as quickly as possible so that they could go home early.

    She encouraged parents to be an example to their children by practising frequent hand washing with soap under running water and also reminding their children to wash their hands frequently.

    She also emphasised the need to stay at home and prevent outsiders from visiting their homes.

    “Children love to hold and touch people and surfaces. It is, therefore, important for parents to remind them not to do these things. They should be given practical examples of social distancing. Additionally, they should be taught to cough into their elbows or into a tissue which should then be discarded safely.

    “We need to keep on reminding them. The good thing is that when children get the message from trusted people and they understand, they tend to spread it to other children and adults, serving as checks on everyone,” she added.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • COVID-19 a golden opportunity for food production – Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto

    The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto says the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Ghana provides a golden opportunity for the country to optimize its potential for food production.

    He said the conditions created by the Coronavirus will allow Ghana to meet its domestic needs, grow agriculture export and create jobs for the youths.

    He made this known at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, April 23, 2020.

    He said: “In the wake of export banned in countries from where we import foods items like rice and poultry, it provides comparing situation for us to put strategic measures in place to ramp up production for all our key commodities “

    He said COVID 19 also gives the country the opportunity to intensify agro-processing , thus reducing post-harvest loss and ensuring all year run food availability whilst creating the needed jobs.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Gory robbery incident at Tema, 2 suspects shot dead

    Two unidentified young men believed to be armed robbers have been shot dead at Tema community 1 TDC junction.

    The robbers, in an attempt to escape after snatching a vehicle at gunpoint in broad daylight, were shot dead by some undisclosed gunmen.

    Though not clear how they were shot, a lifeless body of one of the suspects was lying on the floor in a 1-minute viral video.

    According to sources, one of the three robbers who tried to escape has also been arrested by the police.

    Watch the video below

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 130 motorbikes impounded for breaching social distancing directives

    Over 130 motorbikes have been impounded by the Accra Regional Police Command in and around Tudu, circle, Ministeries, UTC, Kimbu, Tema Station for breaching the social distancing Directive.

    As part of measures to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus, motor riders are banned from picking a pillion rider in order to observe the social distancing Protocol.

    Some motor riders who had stationed and soliciting passengers were also arrested.

    According to the Accra Regional Police Commander, DCOP Frederick Adu Anim the exercise will be sustained as all divisional and district commanders have been tasked to replicate the same in their areas of responsibilities.

    Source: DCOP Frederick Adu Anim

  • Coronavirus: Kenya quarantine escapees arrested while drinking at bar

    Two people who fled a quarantine centre in Kenya have been arrested at a bar where they were found drinking despite social distancing regulations.

    They were among dozens of people filmed jumping over a wall of the facility in the capital, Nairobi, drawing public condemnation.

    While under arrest they said they had planned the escape because they were not getting tested for the virus.

    All bars in Kenya have been ordered to close, to halt the spread of Covid-19.

    The pair, who are now awaiting charges, had complained that they couldn’t afford to pay for their confinement out of their own pockets.

    This costs between $20 (£16) and $100 a night – depending on the centre.

    More than 400 people are under forced quarantine in the country, which lasts for an initial period of 14 days – though this has been extended twice at some centres.

    Some are being held because they flouted curfew orders while others have been detained on arrival from abroad.

    Many fear they are at greater risk from coronavirus inside, saying poor hygiene is widespread and overcrowding makes social distancing impossible.

    As many as 50 people out of 200 escaped from Kenya Medical Training College’s quarantine facility according to local reports, but officials have not confirmed the numbers.

    Footage of detainees scaling the wall was shared by Kenya’s biggest newspaper:

    Local police boss Muthuri Mwongera told the BBC that he was waiting for the director of public prosecution’s office to charge the two suspects who had been arrested at a bar in the Roysambu area, north of the city.

    “A majority of those who escaped had been arrested around this area before being taken to quarantine and so we know we will arrest more with time,” Mr Mwongera said.

    Residents living near the bar apparently tipped off the police that it was still open.

    Kenya’s Covid-19 restrictions:

    • Mandatory 14-day quarantine for those who may have had contact with a coronavirus patient
    • Night-time curfew between 19:00 and 05:00 local time
    • No travel to or from the capital Nairobi and parts of the city’s neighbouring counties. Such measures also apply to some coastal counties
    • Schools, pubs, entertainment venues, churches and mosques shut
    • Everyone required to wear face masks in public and face arrest for not doing so.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Ive good plans for Koforidua Free Zones CEO

    Michael Okyere Baafi, Chef Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), and an aspiring parliamentary candidate of the New Juabeng South constituency of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said he has good plans for the constituency, especially the regional capital.

    He noted on the Dwabirem Show on CTV Thursday, 23 April 2020 that at the moment, the constituency, especially, Koforidua, has a lot of challenges which have remained unsolved hence, if he becomes the parliamentary candidate and eventually wins the polls in December 2020, he will lobby the government to bring development to the area.

    Mr Okyere Baafi further noted that although the government is trying hard to provide jobs for all unemployed youth, there are still jobless people in the system.

    He said he will ensure that these people are employed.

    “I will change the face of Koforidua politics,” he said.

    He added: “There are some challenges in the constituency. Koforidua, for example, has some bad roads that I will ensure are fixed when voted for”.

    “The youth, who are unemployed, as well as our party executives in the constituency, will not be abounded.”

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Bole: One killed, four injured in an attack on gold buyers

    One person was shot dead while four others sustained gunshot and machete wounds when some armed men attacked some gold buyers at Accra-Dollar Power, an illegal mining community in the Bole District of the Savannah Region on Sunday evening.

    The gunmen, some wielding machetes and other offensive weapons are said to have stormed the community and fired gunshots indiscriminately, resulting in the death of one person and injury to four others.

    The deceased, according to the police has since been buried in accordance with Islamic customs and traditions while the three others who sustained gunshot wounds and another machete wounds are said to be on admission at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital in the Bono Region.

    The police gave the names of two out of three persons who sustained gunshots as Yakuba Amani and Bobuka Mukaila while the names of two others who also got injured during the attack were not disclosed.

    The Savannah Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Mr Enoch Adutwum Bediako told Graphic Online that on April 21, 2020, one Salifu Issaka, a resident of Accra-Dollar Power in Bole accompanied by Abubakari Ibrahim reported to the police in Bole that on April 19, 2020, at about 7.30 pm some unknown armed men stormed the community and attacked some gold buyers.

    He said the gunmen in the process fired gunshots indiscriminately that resulted in the death one person and the injury of three others while another also sustained machete wounds.

    DCOP Bediako said the deceased, whose name he did not disclose was buried on the orders of the unit committee members of the community in accordance with Islamic customs and traditions while the other four who got injured during the attack are all on admission at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital in the Bono region.

    He said the Bole District Police Command have begun investigations into the incident to bring the perpetrators to book.

    Background

    Accra-Dollar Power , an illegal mining and a border town in the Bole district which has gained notoriety for such violent crimes.

    On February 6, 2016, the Daily Graphic published a story headlined: “Soldier Killed by unknown assailants”.

    The story read that a soldier who was part of the Bole District Security Committee (DISEC) to Dollar Power to assess the security situation in the area was shot dead by some unknown assailants.
    Three other soldiers and a fireman who were part of the convoy to Dollar Power also got injured in the attack.

    The incident occurred four years ago when the Bole district was then part of the Northern Region.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Police release 134 persons arrested during swoop

    All the 134 persons arrested by the police during last Saturday’s swoop at Changli, a suburb of the Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Regional capital, have been released after screening.

    The Northern Regional Crime Officer, Superintendent Kwabena Otuo Acheampong, who confirmed the release of the 134 persons to the Daily Graphic did not give the reasons assigned for their release.

    He said the 134 persons had been released on police enquiry bail to be reporting to the police.

    The police in the Northern Region last Saturday dawn conducted a swoop at Changli in their bid to arrest some persons in the community alleged to have subjected three police officers to severe beatings.

    The three police officers, including a female, went to the community on April 16, 2020 to effect the arrest of a suspect in a theft case but they were allegedly attacked by some residents, resulting in the female officer falling unconscious and being admitted at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) for three days. She is said to be recuperating from the injury she sustained during the attack.

    Aftermath

    Since the swoop on the community last Saturday, the police in the region have come under severe criticism for their alleged highhandedness and brutalities meted out to some residents of the area.

    During the swoop, a journalist with Accra-based television station, TV Africa, Mr Mohammed Baba Kamil, who was at the scene to report was also reported to have been hit by a stray bullet.

    However, the Regional Crime officer, Supt Acheampong, has since discounted the media reports that suggested that he (Kamil) was hit by a stray bullet.

    Mr Kamil who sustained injury on his head was treated and discharged on the same Saturday at the TTH and has since given his statement to the police.

    The Northern Regional chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in a statement issued last Monday, April 20, called on the Northern Regional Police Command to institute an investigation into the cause of the injury of Mr Kamil.

    The police has obliged the GJA and commenced investigations into the circumstances leading to the injury of the journalist and have called on eye witnesses to come forward with what they know about the issue.

    Court action

    Meanwhile the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, in an interview has threatened to sue the Northern Regional Police Command for what he termed as their “unprofessional conduct” following the raid on the Changli community last Saturday.

    He alleged that the raid on the community by the police had left a young girl with a stray bullet in her head and she was due for surgery to remove the bullet yesterday, April 22.

    Alhaji Inusah Fuseini said the girl who was sleeping in a room was awoken by the disturbances in the community and was hit by a stray bullet on her head.

    He said property including doors and TV sets were destroyed during the raid on the community by the police.

    Residents

    Meanwhile a press conference planned by the community last Tuesday, April 21, was put off as the community leaders said they were moving round to get the signatures of community members to attach to their statement to petition the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to register their displeasure about the incident.

    Some residents who spoke to the Daily Graphic claimed it was rather innocent residents who were arrested by the police during the raid.

    A resident who only gave his name as Rashid claimed the police destroyed the property of residents during the raid and subjected some of them to beatings.

    Related development

    Meanwhile the suspect who escaped arrest in Changli on April 16, 2020 which resulted in the attack on the three police officers was put before the Tamale District Court, last Tuesday, April 21.

    The accused, Mohammed Iddrisu Sahadatu, 38, was charged with two counts of assault on a public officer and resisting arrest, after which he was granted bail in the sum of GHâ‚¡3,000 with a surety.

    He would reappear before the court presided over by Mr. Yusif Amadu on May 5, 2020 for the case to continue.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • COVID-19: Ghana takes delivery of second donation from Jack Ma and Alibaba Foundation

    Ghana has received the second tranche of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 test kits from Asian businessman, Jack Ma, and his Alibaba foundation.

    The equipments which touched base at the Kotoka International Airport, earlier today, will be used for the prevention, control, and treatment of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

    The donation includes ventilators, swabs and viral transport mediums, extraction kits, face shields, medical disposable protective clothing, medical gloves, and thermometer guns.

    Representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) were present at the handing over.

    Earlier in March, the Alibaba co-founder donated a total of 1.1 million testing kits, six million masks, and sixty thousand protective suits and face shields to all 54 African countries.

    Source: ABCNewsgh.com

  • Operation COVID Safety: 8,000 police officers to self quarantine in Accra, Kumasi

    Following the suspension of Operation COVID Safety, a joint military and police operation to enforce the lockdown directives, about 8,000  police officers have been directed to self-quarantine.

    The move according to the police hierarchy is part of measures to check the spread of Coronavirus.

    The Director of Public Affairs, Ghana Police Service, Supt. Sheila Kessie Abayie-Buckman in a Citi News interview said the directive is to ensure the safety of its personnel.

    “The prime object of the Police is for the Police officers to be well before we can carry out our duties. So for Accra, Kumasi, Tema, and Kumasi, we are looking at not less than 8,000 officers to self-quarantine,” she said.

    “The Police Hospital has begun taking their samples but the samples are not tested by them but they have a strategy to take their samples. The Police Hospital has its headquarters in Accra but it still has a lot of regional clinics all across the country,” she added.

    Source: ABCNewsgh.com

  • COVID-19 test, vaccination will be required for Schengen visa application EU

    Persons hoping to travel to Schengen states after travel restrictions are lifted would have to take a test for Coronavirus.

    According to EU officials, persons applying for Schengen Visa will have to submit a Coronavirus test that proves they are negative of the virus.

    The test upon the request for the visa would have to be taken within the last two weeks from the date of application.

    Travellers may also be required to take new tests to ensure that they have not been infected by the virus.

    In an exchange of emails with SchengenVisaInfo.com, an EU official confirmed that the move is to help prevent a future outbreak of the virus that has affected more than two million people worldwide.

    “When the Schengen Borders open up in September, if they do, Schengen Visa applicants will need to submit a Coronavirus test that has resulted negative, taken within the last two weeks prior to the visa application. The traveller may be required to take a new test before travelling to the Schengen area, as to make sure that he/she has not been infected in the meantime,” the source said.

    The official also noted that once the COVID-19 vaccine is confirmed and available for all, visa applicants may also be required to be vaccinated in the future when the virus remains active.

    The virus has so far infected a total of 2,628,929 people, killed another 183,441 with another 713,294 people surviving the virus worldwide.

    Source: ABCNewsgh.com

  • Companies ready to deliver PPE mid-May – Managers

    The local companies contracted to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) to help fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) spread have given an assurance that they are on course to deliver the equipment by the mid-May deadline.

    The managers of those garment companies said they had adequate and regular supply of materials from the Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL) and the Ghana Textile Print (GTP) to produce the items.

    In the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, the government selected four garment companies, including Dignity DTRT, Sleek Garments, Cadling Fashions Limited and Alfie Designs Limited to produce 3.6 million pieces of PPE to fight the pandemic.

    Among other things, the companies are required to produce nose masks, medical scrubs, hospital gowns and headgear using fabrics from ATL, Volta Star Textiles and GTP.

    This is to ensure that Ghana has enough PPE to fall on when needed by the frontline health workers as they go about their duties.

    Work progressing

    When the Daily Graphic visited the premises of some of the companies yesterday to ascertain the progress of work on the project, it observed that work was going on in earnest.

    The managers of the companies had beefed up their core workers with extra hands as a measure to meet their daily production targets.

     

    Some of the departments of the companies that had been inactive had been revitalised and were actively contributing to the production process.

    In keeping to the social distancing protocols, the managers of the companies rolled out a shift system for the workers.

    Sleek Garments

    For instance, when the Daily Graphic team got to the premises of Sleek Garments at about 12:30 p.m., the first batch of about 250 workers were busy producing nose masks and other PPE.

    The manager of the facility, Ms Nora Bannerman, who took the team to the production centre, said the company had the needed machinery, human resource and materials needed to produce to meet the order.

    She explained that the company had sub-contracted other garment entities so it could meet the deadline.

    “For each of the five companies that were handed the PPE contract, we have sub-contracted about 10 other entities to facilitate the production.

    “For Sleek Garments, we started producing 2,000 PPE daily, but now we have reached 20,000 a day because we brought on more workers,” she said.

    Safety

    Ms Bannerman said the materials were produced in compliance with Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) requirements, thus they met the safety requirement for the production of the PPE.

    “After going through approval from GSA and FDA, we need to send whatever we produce here to the Korle But Teaching Hospital for sterilisation before it can be used,” she added.

    Ms Bannerman said she was optimistic that the garment companies would deliver the 3.6 million pieces of PPE, given that the needed resources were available.

    She noted that the role the local garment companies were playing in the production of PPE was a wake-up call for more support to be extended to them even after the pandemic.

    Cadling Fashions

    At Cadling Fashions Limited, the situation was not any different as the workers were seen busily putting the pieces together to produce the hospital scrubs, gowns, headgear and nose masks.

    The Daily Graphic team observed that the production chain progressed with fluidity as some of the 300 workers cut the material for the various items to be sewn, while others stitched it and another team also went round to check on the finishing to ensure that there were no mistakes.

    Conducting the team round the production centre, Mrs Linda Yaa Ampah, said the production of the PPE project had presented a huge opportunity for the local garment industry to grow.

    “The local companies that were given the contract to produce the PPE are now playing a leading role for other garment companies and this is a great opportunity for the country to grow the industry,” she said.

    Dignity DTRT

    Although the Daily Graphic team went to Dignity DTRT on two different days, the team was not allowed to enter the main premises of the company to see how production was progressing.

    Background

    In his fifth address to the nation to give an update on the COVID-19 interventions on Sunday, April 5, President Akufo-Addo announced that some local companies had been contracted to begin the local production of PPE.

    The President said that had become necessary to forestall any shortage in providing PPE which were essential in protecting the lives of frontline health workers who were risking their lives every day to battle the virus.

    He also said the decision to have the PPE produced locally was also part of the plan to ensure that the nation became self-reliant.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Coronavirus: Driver allegedly stabs passenger to death over social distancing

    A commercial vehicle driver has been remanded by the Koforidua District Magistrate Court “B”,  for stabbing a passenger to death over a disagreement on social distancing breaches.

    The driver has been provisionally charged with murder and expected to reappear before Court in two weeks.

    Information gathered indicates that the driver and mate picked a quarrel with the deceased and his brother who joined the vehicle on Suhum to Koforidua road after complaining that the driver has overloaded the Vehicle in breach with social distancing.

    This created a heated argument in the vehicle between passengers on the other side and the accused driver and mate.

    Upon reaching Akwadum roundabout, the deceased and his brother angrily alighted, slammed the door of the vehicle while casting insinuations.

    This angered the driver and mate to physically attack the two brothers. In the process, the mate allegedly pulled a knife for the driver who stabbed the deceased multiple times to death.

    His brother also suffered multiple knife injuries but is currently in critical condition at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command DSP Ebenezer Tetteh told Starr News that the driver was immediately arrested by the Police at Akwadum but the mate is on the run.

    Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, President Akufo Addo, and various District and Municipal Assemblies have directed that drivers reduce the number of passengers they transport at a time to help observe social distancing protocols to minimize the risk of infection in public transport.

    Currently, Ghana has recorded 1154 confirmed cases with 9 deaths and 120 recoveries as of April 22, 2020.

    Source: Starrfm.com.gh

  • Police rescue man from being killed for allegedly raping a popular kings wife in Tamale

    A 40-year-old man who allegedly raped one of the wives of a high profile king in the Northern Region has been rescued by the police in the area from being killed.

    Abass Shani was tied and beaten to pulp Tuesday by some angry youth who arrested him few metres away from the palace of the unnamed king.

    Many people in the area say the man was dead because he was unconscious at the time the police rescued him from the mob, a claim the police have rejected.

    Police in the area have confirmed the attack on the man, but have been tight-lipped on the details of the incident because it involves a king.

    He was first taken to the Baptist Medical Centre at Nalerigu, but had to be transferred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital in view of the severity of the injuries suffered from the attack on his life by the youth.

    The police say their timely intervention saved the man from being lynched.

    Checks at the Tamale Teaching Hospital reveal the Shani is responding to treatment.

    Source: 3news.com

  • Togbe Afede donates GHS50,000 to Wa Regional Hospital towards fighting CSM

    Togbe Afede XIV, the President of the National House of Chiefs has donated a cash amount of GHC 50,000 to the Upper West Regional Hospital to support the fight against Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM).

    The donation is to serve as seed money for the establishment of a fund to support local research towards the development of a vaccine for the treatment of CMS and the procurement of emergency medical supplies to support the delivery of quality and timely services to patients receiving treatment for suspected CSM-related cases.

    “GHS30,000 serves as seed money to established a fund to support local research towards the development of a vaccine for the treatment of CMS, while, GHS20,000 goes into the procurement of emergency medical supplies to support the treatment for suspected CSM-related cases”.

    In a speech read on his behalf by Kuoro Richard Babini Kanton IV, President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, who presented the cheque, Togbe Afede said, recent television footages and news coverage of the lethal effects of CSM, which has been wreaking havoc on our Upper West Region compatriots, have sent shivers down my spine and that the donation was his widow’s mite to support their bid to mitigate the effects of the CSM menace.

    He said it has been reported that, as of April 15, 2020, a total of 409 cases CSM had been recorded from the 5 northern regions, with Upper West alone accounting for 258, adding that, “so far, CSM, which has a high fatality rate, has claimed 40 lives, this is truly devastating.” Togbe Afede who is also the Agbogbomofia of the Asogli State said: “while we, as a nation, are busily battling COVID-19 pandemic which has taken 9 lives so far, with all the energy and resources we can master, the CSM epidemic should also be given the needed urgent attention, and treated with all the seriousness it deserves.”

    He implored the Ghana Health Service to, as soon as possible, declare the outbreak of CSM a national health emergency, adding that, there should be a concerted national action plan to support the people of the northern regions to bringing this deadly disease under control. “We must mobilize national support against CSM now. The government and our development partners, as well as the corporate community should support research towards the development of a vaccine for the treatment of CMS.”

    The NHC President urged victims and people with suspected cases of CMS to report early at the hospital for timely treatment.

    He prayed that more help arrives sooner than later to support the hospital in this difficult times.

    Dr Afreh Osei Kuffuor, the Regional Director of Health Services who received the cash donation on behalf of the Regional Minister thanked the NHC President for his support in the fight against CSM .

    He said several calls have been sent out for philanthropies to come to the aid of the region to combat the menace, “I am happy Togbe Afede has come to the rescue of the Regional Hospital and I am assuring him that the money would be used for its intended purpose.”

    Source: Prince Sigli, contributor

  • Coronavirus: Final year SHS students likely to do national service – Education Minister

    The Minister of Education, Matthew Opoku- Prempeh, has hinted a one-year national service programme for all senior high school final year students if the deadly novel coronavirus persists and schools remain shut.

    In an interview on Metro TV, monitored by theghanareport.com, the Minister said the government was keenly considering that option should schools remain closed.

    “Currently, the education ministry is relying on Electronic Learning platforms (E-Learning) to keep schools running,” he said.

    Explaining the need for the one-year programme, the minister said during the O and A level era, anytime there was a disruption “aluta” in the academic calendar, the government introduced national service to cater for the disruption.

    The West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) has been suspended across Anglophone West Africa due to the threat of COVID-19.

    Students went home, uncertain when they will return.

    President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the suspension of all educational activities after the country recorded some confirmed coronavirus cases.

    Source: theghanareport.com

  • Muslims will respect coronavirus prevention measures Chief Imam to Akufo-Addo

    The Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, has assured the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that the Muslim community will abide by and respect all existing protocols put in place by government and the Ghana Health Service to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus in Ghana as they begin their annual Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

    The Chief Imam made the commitment at a meeting with Muslim leaders called at the instance of the President at the Jubilee House today the 22nd of April 2020, to discuss modalities ahead of the revered annual Muslim time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement and heightened devotion and worship.

    Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, addressing the President on behalf of the Chief Imam, noted that the Muslim community will cut out a lot of the things that they would have done in normal times during the holy month of Ramadan.

    “For the first time, we are going to see Ramadan without the normal routines we see in Ramadan” Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu said.

    “We want to assure you as Muslim leaders, that the situation is something that we will really acknowledge. Our religion is a flexible religion, it is moderate, it contextualizes issues, so whatever situation that is, I am sure we will be behind you” spokesperson of the Chief Imam added.

    Request for Live Broadcast

    In order to reach the Muslim population during the period of Ramadan, the Chief Imam requested of the President to assist them through the National broadcaster, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), to carry out some of their activities particularly the daily prayer session from 12noon to 1pm live on television.

    President Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo in his address reiterated all the measures the government has put in place in the national fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. He indicated that the request for the live television broadcast of the afternoon prayers during the month of Ramadan is in order and he will ensure that same is done.

    “About the broadcast, it strikes me as a very creative idea and I am going to look into it immediately to see how we can accommodate it but instinctively, it sounds to me as a good way we can bring technology to help us in this our time to see how we can use it to bridge the gap for the faithful. Be rest assured and the Chief Imam should know that it is something that we are going to give very high priority consideration to” President Akufo-Addo said.

    2020 Ramadan

    This year’s Ramadan is expected to begin on Thursday the 23rd of April 2020 and end on Saturday the 23rd of May 2020. Believers in the Muslim faith consider the period of Ramadan, a time for spiritual devotion as well as a time to develop a feeling of kinship with other Muslims.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • South African minister pleads guilty to breaking lockdown

    South Africa’s Communication Minister Stella Ndabeni has admitted to failing to follow the lockdown rules and has paid a 1,000 rand ($53;£42) fine as ordered by the senior magistrate in the Tshwane district court.

    The National Prosecuting Authority’s Phindi Mjonondwane said the minister’s court case proves that all citizens are equal and no-one should break the law.

    The minister was pictured at a former colleague’s house having lunch during an ongoing lockdown aimed at reducing the spread of coronavirus.

    The minister was summoned by President Cyril Ramaphosa and was placed on two months special leave.

    She later apologised publicly for undermining lockdown rules.

    Source: bbc.com

  • UK High Commission withdraws British staff as Ghana cases rise

    The British High Commission has cut down the number of British staff working in the diplomatic mission.

    The interim measure was undertaken after the Ghana government lifted a three-week lockdown in the country to allow free movement and business activities.

    The number of coronavirus cases in Ghana has soared to 1154 with nine deaths. A total of 99 patients have recovered fully, with more recoveries expected in the coming weeks pending additional tests for people who recorded initial negative results after receiving treatment.

    On Tuesday, April 21, the UK High Commission stated, “Given the rapidly changing situation in Ghana, we are temporarily withdrawing a limited number of UK staff and their dependents from our High Commission”.

    The release added that the High Commission would continue to carry out essential work, including providing 24/7 consular assistance and support to British people in Ghana.

    The High Commission suspended general services since the outbreak of the COVID-19 due to travel bans and border closures of several countries including Ghana.

    Additionally, the UK government advised its citizens resident in Ghana to stay indoors and “only go outside for food, health reasons or work”. The directive on working is for persons who “cannot work from home”.

    For people who need to go out of their homes, they have been cautioned to stay two metres away from other people at all times and wash their hands as soon as they get home.

    “Do not meet others, even friends or family,” the advice notice added.

    Meanwhile, other embassies and high commissions of the United States, Australia, Canadian and Dutch missions have all been shut down temporarily.

    The UK has the 6th highest number of infections with 124,743 cases and 16,509 deaths as of April 21, 10:30 GMT, according to tracking website Worldometer.

    Source: theghanareport.com

  • Publish expenditures of COVID-19 Trust Fund same as you showcase donors CSO demands

    The Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI) has called on the Board of Trustees of the Ghana COVID-19 Trust Fund to publish all the expenditures on the fund in a similar manner as donors are publicized.

    According to the group, there is a need for the managers of the fund to be accountable to the public since it is a public fund meant to support Ghanaians in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic hence the call for transparency and accountability.

    In a press statement released by the Institute on Monday, April 20, 2020, they demanded that “inasmuch as we appreciate the showcasing of donors donating to the COVID-19 fund, the fund managers of COVID-19 must give the general public detailed performance statement of the fund indicating all credit and debit descriptions since the inception of the fund. It is a public fund meant for public support so must information on the fund be made public.”

    Given this, the institute is calling for accounts to be rendered on daily/weekly basis, how much is accruing to the fund just as the live update on the COVID-19 cases from the website of the ministry of health, including the details of credit and debit entries on the COVID-19 fund.

    Moreover, ILAPI is demanding the publication of the list of institutions and individuals who have donated to the fund so far and disbursements out of the fund. In terms of disbursement, the details of recipients either by their associations or industrial matrices must be made available and accessible by the general public and the donors as well.

    “This is not to demean any beneficiary but rather to enhance accountability, integrity, and transparency of the fund,” the Institute justified.

    The group noted that “if the policies and procedures are not clearly defined by the President or the Board of the fund, the fund will only cushion businesses affiliated to the party in power and none for other businesses” indicating that their motive for the call is to help improve the credibility of the government against public notion about government when it comes to public fund management.

    Source: ABCNewsgh.com 

  • Our products not contaminated; ignore claims by the FDA Manufacturer of COA FS

    The COA Herbal Centre, manufacturers of COA FS has rejected claims by the Food and Drugs Authority indicating some of its products are contaminated.

    According to the manufacturer, it finds claims by the FDA indicating it has detected a microbial contamination in COA FS as a surprise.

    On April 18, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)  directed the general public to return all COA FS products to the manufacturer.

    According to the FDA, samples of the food supplement picked from the market and the manufacturing facility of COA Herbal Centre in Workroom near Cape Coast showed excessive microbial, mould and yeast contamination.

    The FDA in a release said the samples were also found to contain Escherichia coli (E.Coli) which causes diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

    The development led to the calling of the product from the market.

    But, the COA Herbal Centre in a statement sighted by ABC News says, contrary to the claims in the Press Statement by the FDA, the evidence rather indicates that people with weakened immune systems and or kidney malfunctions, rather got better after taking COA FS.

    ”We therefore find the Press Statement from the FDA that they detected a microbial contamination in COA FS as a surprise. The self-preserving nature of COA FS is the reason why we have never received any of the adverse drug reactions enumerated in the FDA Statement over the period.  Contrary to the claims in the Press Statement, the evidence rather indicates that people with weakened immune systems and or kidney malfunctions, rather got better after taking COA FS,” the statement said.

    ”We find it unfortunate that the FDA seeks to associate the alleged contamination in COA FS to kidney failure. A thorough search through scientific literature shows that it is a particular strain of E. Coli that causes kidney problem, but the FDA has not provided any data to prove that this particular strain has been found in COA FS,” it added.

    Read the statement below

    We write in relation to the Press Statement issued by the Food and Drug Authority “FDA”, Ghana dated on the 18th April 2020, which is circulating in the media under the above subject.

    We wish to state that COA FS is produced by a unique biotransformation and extraction technique at high temperature and pressure for which reason the product is as clear as water but highly aromatic.

    The active ingredients in COA FS as revealed by independent scientific investigations using GCMS and LCMS conducted in Kwazulu Natal University of South Africa, and recently by the Ghana Standards Authority indicates a wide range of bioactive compounds ranging from anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti -fungal and anti-viral properties.

    Other compounds with immune stimulating activities have been found in COA FS. These compounds are mainly triterpenes and other essential oils. It is for this reason that in the manufacture of COA FS, preservatives are not added. COA FS does not contain any artificial preservatives due to the broad range of anti-microbial activities mentioned above.

    Further, it has been subjected to annual review and certification by the FDA under prescribed regulatory standards, the last approval having been given by the FDA to cover the year 2020. We are proud to say that COA FS, since its registration by the FDA in 2016 has passed all microbial tests. This anti-microbial activity has been experimentally confirmed.

    We therefore find the Press Statement from the FDA that they detected a microbial contamination in COA FS as a surprise. The self-preserving nature of COA FS is the reason why we have never received any of the adverse drug reactions enumerated in the FDA Statement over the period.  Contrary to the claims in the Press Statement, the evidence rather indicates that people with weakened immune systems and or kidney malfunctions, rather got better after taking COA FS.

    We find it unfortunate that the FDA seeks to associate the alleged contamination in COA FS to kidney failure. A thorough search through scientific literature shows that it is a particular strain of E. Coli that causes kidney problem, but the FDA has not provided any data to prove that this particular strain has been found in COA FS.

    We wish to inform the public that the FDA on the 9th of April 2020 drew our attention to the supposed contamination and directed us to issue a withdrawal notice, which we did as law abiding citizens, in spite of our doubts of the claim Subsequently, we ran a microbial test for the identified samples with batch numbers CFS00003 and CFS00004 on our reference samples from the microbiology laboratory of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. The result of the microbial test does not disclose contamination by Yeast, Mould and E-Coli as indicated in the FDA press statement.

    We are currently conducting similar tests on the above batches in other independent laboratories. We expect the results soon. The outcome will also be communicated to the general public. It therefore cannot be the case that COA FS produced by the COA Herbal Center are contaminated.

    We therefore wish to assure our Distributors, Agents, Clients and the general public that we will not rest on our oars until all due processes are exhausted.

    We therefore assure the general public that in as much as we disagree with the FDA, we are committed to working with them as the regulator to address any concerns they may have.

    It is in the spirit of growing together in a turbulent industry as ours, that we will urge all our media partners not to hesitate in asking much needed questions to freely educate all and sundry to clear all doubts in the minds of right thinking people. Our doors shall remain open to see all test results and relevant correspondence to ensure transparency and investor confidence.

    ISSUED BY THE CENTER OF AWARENESS (COA) HERBAL CENTER, WUSORKROM, CAPE COAST

    Source: ABCNewsgh.com

  • BoG orders banks, SDIs to stop paying dividend to customers

    The Bank of Ghana has directed banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs) to desist from paying dividends to their customers until further notice.

    This according to BoG is to ensure banks and the financial institutions are in good shape to assist customers throughout the pandemic period.

    In a statement, BoG said the directive is aimed at absorbing any potential operational losses for banks and SDIs from the pandemic since the financial institutions are already relying on additional liquidity reliefs released by the central bank.

    “In furtherance of the above, and to ensure that banks and SDIs are better able to support their customers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to absorb any potential operational losses for banks and SDIs from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bank of Ghana now directs that all banks and SDIs desist from declaring and/or paying any dividends or distributing reserves to shareholders, and from making any irrevocable commitments regarding the declaration or payment of dividends to shareholders, until further notice.”

    The Central Bank has assured banks and SDIs that it would continue to monitor the impact of the coronavirus on the financial sector and issue further directives as required.

    Source: ABCNewsgh.com

  • Here is FDAs recommendations for homemade face masks

    Following the directive by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo urging Ghanaians to use face masks as a means of checking the spread of Coronavirus, many are resorting to making their own face masks.

    The potency of these homemade face masks, however, has been questioned by many. In view of this, the FDA has come out with some recommendations on homemade masks.

    Read the recommendations below;

    SPECIFICATIONS
    i. Dimensions
    • Length: Cheek-to-cheek: 10 inches
    • Width: 6 inches
    • Thickness: Three layers: Not Less Than (NLT) 0.759mm
    • Porosity: ≥10000 Pascal

    ii. Splash Test (Alcohol-based aerosol spray): No stain of alcohol-based aerosol should be seen at the reverse side of the face mask

    iii. Filtration of Bacteria: Reduction of NLT 3 log.

    SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HOMEMADE FACE MASKS

    Fabric and Design
    •It is recommended that fabric used for face mask should be free from all chemicals.
    •In any event that printed fabric is used, the layer of the fabric in direct contact with the face should be plain fabric that is free from chemicals.

    Fabric/Material Combinations
    To be effective, face masks generally must be able to filter out particles and still be easy to breathe through. In the absence of propylene, which is the common material used for medical grade face masks, 100% cotton or cotton blends possess good material characteristics for homemade face masks. Recent studies/evaluations undertaken by the FDA on viable materials for the production of effective homemade face masks from local fabrics/materials established the following:

    1. Calico-Stiff (Hard/Medium)-Calico (three layers) combination is ideal for reusable homemade COVID-19 face mask.

    2. Calico-Calico-Calico (three layers) combination is ideal for reusable homemade COVID-19 face mask.

    Cleaning of Homemade Face Masks
    Reusable homemade face masks should be properly washed before reuse. Used homemade face masks must first be disinfected; then washed with soap or detergent until clean, rinsed under running water; dried in the open sun, and ironed before reuse.

    They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use or when saturated from condensation build-up from breathing, or after a contamination event.

    **Provide identification tags on the face masks, including the FDA Registration Number

    Source: ABCNewsgh.com

  • Persons without face mask prevented from entering Accra City Hall

    Over 50 persons were on Tuesday denied entry into the Accra City Hall for not wearing a face mask as part of measures to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.

    The measure forms part of efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of staff of the assembly as well as other visitors into its premises.

    According to the Mayor of Accra, Mohammed Adjei Sowah who gave the directive, as long as one could get a cloth to cover his or her face and mouth, they would be allowed entry into the city hall.

    He added that these measures would help slow the spread of the Coronavirus especially from people who may have the virus but do not know.

    He noted that henceforth everyone coming into the city centre would be required to wear a face mask as directed by President Nana Akufo-Addo.

    The Assembly last week launched a campaign to promote the wearing of a face mask in the city.

    The Accra City Hall which is being managed by Listening Bureau, a property management company is disability-friendly and can boast of ancillary facilities such as a 300-capacity conference room, meeting rooms, cafeteria, landscaping (greening) and a 200-capacity car park.

    Ghana has currently recorded 1,042 COVID-19 cases with nine deaths. 99 persons who were infected with COVID-19 have recorded.

    The disease has been recorded in ten out of 16 regions in Ghana.

    Source: AMA

  • Hear only ‘extremely urgent’ cases, ‘exercise great restraint’ in remanding persons CJ to courts

    Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah has issued instructions to the courts to hear only cases that are of “extreme urgency”, as part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

    He also says the courts must not willy-nilly remand accused persons.

    In a press statement issued on Tuesday, 21 April 2020, the Chief Justice said: “Judges and magistrates should only hear cases which are of extreme urgency” and “as far as possible, exercise great restraint in remanding accused persons in order to avoid overcrowding the prisons and police cells”.

    The CJ added: “Judges and magistrates should dispense with the appearance of convicted and remand prisoners where possible”.

    “In criminal appeals”, he noted, “the courts, where possible, should dispense with the appearance of the appellants who are in prison custody”.

    Ghana has, so far, recorded 1,042 cases with nine deaths and 99 recoveries.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Providing PPEs boost our morale to do more – Health practitioner

    Dr. Lord Graceful Mensah, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ho Teaching Hospital Tuesday said presentation of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to health institutions boosts morale of staff to up the fight against COVID19.

    “PPE are essential. They boost our morale to do more so when we receive such donations, we are happy and prepared to take good care of all patients…,” he said.

    Dr. Mensah said this when Mr Francis Albert Nyonyo Agboada, Member of Council of State for the Volta Region donated assorted PPE worth GHC100,000.00 to the Ho Teaching Hospital and the Anloga Health Centre in the Anloga District.

    He expressed gratitude to Mr Agboada for the gesture and said workers were happy the facility was not forgotten in the wake of the Coronavirus disease.

    “It feels good when you work and your performance is recognized so we are happy and we say thank you,” Dr.Mensah added.

    Mr Kofi Humado, Member of Parliament for Anlo, who presented the items on behalf of the Member of Council of State, said the presentation, also under the auspices of the Nyonyo Foundation, was necessitated by the seriousness of the pandemic, requiring the support of all.

    Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister who received the items on behalf of the institutions commended Mr Agboada for the items and said concerted efforts were needed to fight the pandemic and reiterated the need for all to comply with the social distancing protocols and other precautionary measures.

    The Volta Region has a total of ten confirmed cases of COVID19, with the patients said to be in stable condition receiving treatment.

    Source: GNA

  • Suspect who led attack on police officers in Tamale granted bail

    The main suspect in the assault case on three police officers stationed at the Tamale District Police Criminal and Investigative Department, Mohammed Iddrisu Sahadatu, has been granted bail to the tune of GHC3,000 with one surety to be justified.

    The suspect, a resident of Changli, a suburb of Tamale, escaped arrest on Thursday, April 16 after leading an attack on the police officers. But was apprehended on the following day with the support of the Assemblyman of the Area.

    The case presided over by His Worship Yusif Amadu, of the Tamale District Court 2, has been adjourned to May 5, 2020.

    “Mohammed Iddrisu Sahadatu was charged with two counts of assault on a public officer and resisting arrest”, the Northern Regional Police Crime Officer Superintendent Kwabena Otuo Acheampong told the media.

    Background

    Sahadatu Iddrisu Mohammed according to the Police in Northern region instigated the assault on the three Police Officers who had visited her home in Changli on April 16 to arrest her over a theft case reported to the Tamale District Police Criminal and Investigations Department.

    Police revealed she called her sons who started assaulting the officers including a female officer Corporal Rita Aboagye.

    Some residents joined in assaulting the officers.

    Corporal Rita Aboagye was beaten to a pulp and left in a gutter while her colleagues fled to report the incident, about half a kilometre away.

    The Revenge Swoop

    Some police officers in Tamale after hearing the news of the assault on their colleagues went on rampage, unleashing violence on scores of residents in Changli in retaliation.

    Source: 3news.com

  • Man steals car at West Hills Mall

    The Weija police have arrested a 26-year-old man for stealing a car at West Hills Mall.

    The suspect identified as Samuel Klutse, stole the car at the parking space of the mall while the owner went shopping.

    The Accra Regional Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Effia Tenge, told DGN online that the Weija police arrested the suspect on April 19, around 2 pm along the Bortianor road.

    She said the complainant, who is a car dealer, reported to the Weija police that he received a call from the suspect that he was interested in buying the vehicle which is a Toyota Yaris with registration number GR8 3022-19 which was being offered for sale.

    She said the two agreed to meet at the West Hills Mall for Klutse to inspect the car before buying.

    “The complainant said when he got to the mall, he called the phone number of suspect several times but he refused to answer.”

    DSP Tenge continued that the complainant parked the vehicle at the car park and entered the mall to buy a few things.

    “On his return from the Mall, the complainant realised the car had been taken away and quickly called the police emergency lines for assistance.”

    The PRO said with the assistance of the Weija patrol team, the suspect was arrested along the Bortianor -Kokrobite road with the car.

    She revealed that the suspect was still in the custody of the police awaiting prosecution.

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Coronavirus: There are no ‘false positive’ cases – Ghana Health Service

    Ghana has recorded 1042 positive cases of COVID-19 and 99 recovery cases. More than 60,000 people whose samples were collected through contact tracing and other enhanced testing approaches have tested negative for the virus.

    However, rumormongers have cast doubts over the number of positive cases, saying the samples of some of the people who have tested positive might not be the actual case. The claim is that there might be “false positve” cases.

    Addressing the issue, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye debunked the claims that there may be persons mistakenly testing positive for Coronavirus in the country.

    Although admitting the possibility of “false” positive cases when conducting a test, Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye explained that the Health Service uses the global Polymerise Chain Reaction (PCR) test to check for the presence of the virus in the samples.

    The PCR test is a method used to detect viral genetic material called RNA or antigen to tell whether or not someone has the virus. This testing technique is used globally to check the presence of COVID-19.

    The GHS Director General wants Ghanaians to know that the research centers in charge of testing samples for the virus are using this standard method and there is no way any result could be faulty.

    “It detects the virus to locate where the virus is. What they are doing is very specific for COVID-19. So, if you use some rapid test to check your antibody meaning your body producing something when you become exposed, that is what can give you false positive. But for what we’re doing, I can assure that, short of maybe a missing report; I won’t say false positive is a problem’,’ he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ program.

    Source: ghanaweb.com

  • COVID-19: Court fines 6 people GH¢86,400 for attending birthday party

    An Accra Circuit Court has fined six people a total of GH¢86,400 for attending a birthday party at Teshie in violation of the restriction imposed on public gatherings in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.

    Each of the convicts was sentenced to a fine of 1,200 penalty units (GH¢14,400) by the court, presided over by Ms Afia Owusua Appiah.

    In default, the six convicts will each serve five years in prison.

    The convicts are Amadi Mine, Precious Aboy-Iyen, Marshal Oviegjare, Godsway Fejiro, Elliot Sharker and David Amos.

    All the six pleaded guilty to conspiracy not to comply with restrictions imposed by the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012) and failure to comply with Act 1012.

    Birthday party

    The prosecutor, Chief Inspector Gulliver Tenkorang, told the court that the six were part of a group of 50 who attended a birthday party at Teshie First Junction on last Saturday (April 18).

    According to him, the partygoers took to their heels when the police got there.

    However, he said the police gave them a hot chase and arrested the six.

    Source:graphic.com.gh

  • Mason jailed 20 years for defiling 13-year-old stepdaughter

    The Accra Circuit Court has sentenced a mason who defiled his 13-year-old stepdaughter and impregnated her in the process to 20 years imprisonment in hard labour.

    Eric Kofitse today pleaded guilty to defilement and was sentenced on his own plea by the court, presided over by Mrs Christiana Cann.

    A test conducted on the girl revealed that she was 7 weeks pregnant.

    Defilement

    Per the facts presented by the prosecutor Chief Inspector Kofi Atimbire, Kofitse had defiled his stepdaughter on numerous occasions since 2019.

    The girl could not stand the ordeal any longer so she reported it to her mother.

    According to the prosecution, the mother promised to talk to her husband to stop, but Kofitse still continued to defile the girl.

    The mother then decided to send the girl to go and live with her sister. The girl, however, could not live with her Auntie so she came back to her mother.

    Kofitse then continued to defile the girl when she returned to the house.

    The prosecution added that the girl ran to her biological father because she could not stand the persistent sexual attacks from her stepfather.

    The father lodged a complaint with the police after the girl informed him of the sexual attacks she had suffered at the hands of Kofitse.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • East Mamprusi Police kill suspected armed robber, arrest others

    Police in the North East Region last Sunday shot and killed a suspected armed robber and arrested three others in an alleged attempted robbery incident on the Gushegu/Gbintiri road in the East Mamprusi Municipality.

    The deceased, whose name was only given as Mahamadu, was said to have been shot when he and his accomplices who were suspected to be on their way for a robbery operation engaged the police in an exchange of gunshots.

    The three other suspects identified as Amadu Sumana, Hamidu Issaka, and Musah Alima, who sustained gunshot wounds, are receiving treatment at the Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu while the body has been deposited at the same facility.

    The police also retrieved a single barrel shotgun, a locally manufactured Sten gun, 17 pistol ammunition in a magazine, 10 AAA cartridges, a rope, a hood, three mobile phones, two hats, three packets of royal cigarettes and a face mask from the robbers.

    Tip-off

    Briefing the Daily Graphic, the North East Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Mr Charles Domanban, said on Sunday, April 19, at about 2 p.m, the police received information that the suspected robbers who were armed with weapons were preparing to attack traders from their hideout at Kukpo, a village near Gbintiri.

    The police, upon the tip-off, swiftly dispatched personnel to the scene, and on reaching there, the suspects opened fire on the police personnel who also returned fire and managed to overpower them, killing one of the robbers instantly.

    Traders attacked

    DCOP Domanban indicated that the suspects were reported to have, earlier last Saturday, attacked some traders who were returning from Gbandabila Market at gunpoint and took their personal belongings.

    The police on receipt of that information, proceeded to the scene but the suspects had absconded.

    Upon a tip-off that the suspects were at their hideout preparing for another robbery on the Gushegu Gbintiri road, the police proceeded to the hideout, and on their arrival, the suspects opened fire on the police officers who also fired back. It was during this exchange that Mahamadu was killed and the other suspects, overpowered, DCOP Domanban stated.

    He added that the suspects were assisting the police with investigation and would be arraigned within the week.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Coronavirus: UN warns number of hungry could double

    The United Nations has warned that the coronavirus pandemic could almost double the number of people around the world suffering from acute hunger, expressing concerns for people in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    The UN’s World Food Programme said the virus could be catastrophic for millions of people whose lives are already hanging by a thread – who can only eat if they are earning a wage.

    A report compiled by the organisation said the total number suffering from hunger could be pushed from 135 million last year to more than 250 million.

    Most are in 10 countries affected by conflict, economic crisis and climate change. They include Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, the DR Congo, Venezuela, Haiti and Afghanistan.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Kenyans clap for health workers

    Kenyan journalists at NTV on Tuesday led people in an appreciation clap for health care workers on the front line of coronavirus pandemic.

    The journalists were filmed asking Kenyans to join them at 12:00 local time (10:00 GMT) in clapping for all health care workers.

    During the noon bulletin, the news presenter started by leading the applause with videos of Kenyans in the streets of the capital Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa clapping along.

    Kenyan health care workers have received government recognition for the efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

    The minister of health on Monday said discussions on their allowances were ongoing.

    The government opened an isolation centre specially made for health workers as mass testing begun.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Coronavirus vaccine may be ready in 2021, protect yourself – GHS to Ghanaians

    Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye says vaccine to treat the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) may be ready next year.

    Speaking in an interview with host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye noted that like the most severe influenza pandemic which occurred in 1918 called ‘Spanish flu’, hasn’t become extinct but rather being treated with vaccine, the COVID-19 likewise may not easily disappear.

    He was hopeful a vaccine will be developed to treat patients.

    “Spanish flu didn’t disappear. It is the same flu we have today. The 1918 flu is the same flu today,” he said.

    COVID-19 has become the bane of the entire Universe, threatening world economies and claiming lives of many people.

    Scientists across the globe have been working tirelessly to fight the pandemic by ensuring patients fully recover from the virus infection and also working around the clock to provide vaccine to remedy the situation.

    1042 people in Ghana have currently tested positive for COVID-19 with 99 fully recovered and 9 deaths recorded. More than 60000 people whose samples were taken through the enhanced surveillance testing by the Government of Ghana have also tested negative.

    The question bothering the minds of many people is how soon will vaccines be made available to relieve the world of this life-threatening virus.

    Answering this question, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye disclosed that the earliest possible time for the vaccine development will be in 2021.

    He therefore advised Ghanaians to continue to adhere to the safety protocols and also boost their immune system by taking appropriate nutrition and having rest, not engaging in stressful activities in order to fight against the COVID-19 in the absence of a vaccine.

    “I know there are many scientists working out to come up with a vaccine but what we hear is that probably, the earliest time will be somewhere in 2021. The whole thing is about your own immunity as a people which will help in making sure that you may get it, but it is not as severe as it is and that’s our luck. We’re hoping that it remains the same way and so that is why we still say that all the other bans on gathering . . . should stay . . . the borders are closed . . . So, if you follow all the education about social distancing which the whole world is using, definitely it will help us to resolve the situation,” he adviced.

    Source: peacefmonline.com