TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • 75 major markets in Volta Region to be closed for fumigation exercise

    In line with the Mass Disinfection Exercise being carried out across the country under the auspices of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa announced at a press conference held at the conference room of the Volta Regional Co-ordinating Council, the simultaneous Mass Disinfection Exercise in seventy five markets across all the Municipalities and Districts in the region.

    According to the minister, the exercise shall take place on Saturday, April 4, 2020 from 5 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon. The exercise will be carried out by Zoomlion Group of Companies and will be assisted by other sprayers who would be mobilized by the respective assemblies.

    Lorry parks, shops, stores, restaurants, chop bars and other businesses operating adjacent or close to the various markets shall suspend operations during the time of the exercise.

    Dr. Letsa also revealed that to ensure safety and a smooth exercise on the 4th, security agencies in the region, NADMO and the National Ambulance Service shall play complementary roles.

    The minister further seized the opportunity to commend members of the media for their continuous support for efforts in ensuring a safe region in this COVID-19 period. He however, entreated the media to let citizens of the region to know about the fumigation exercise.

    Present at the conference were the Hon. Deputy Regional Minister, Members of the Regional Security Council, the Chief Director of the Co- ordinating Council, some Municipal and District Chief Executives, the Deputy Regional Director of Health, the Regional Director of NADMO and some workers of the Zoomlion Group of Companies.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ellembelle DCE donates 250 Veronica buckets, other items to combat Coronavirus

    The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ellembelle District in the Western Region, Mr. Kwasi Bonzoh on behalf of the Assembly, has donated 250 quantities of Veronica bucket to fight against the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.

    In addition, the DCE also donated 250 dustbins, over 500 bottles of liquid soap, nose masks, tissue papers, alcoholic-based hand sanitizers, washing bowls among other preventive items.

    Mr. Kwasi Bonzoh yesterday, Wednesday, April 1, 2020 presented some of the Veronica buckets and other items to Ghana Police Service, Ghana Fire Service, Ellembelle Magistrate Court, NCCE, EC, Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service and other departments under the District.

    The DCE is expected to deliver the rest of the Veronica buckets and other items to all the market places, public toilet places, lorry stations, all Communities within the district and public spaces.

    This donation follows the formation of the Ellembelle Public Emergency Committee to educate the masses about the Coronavirus and how to ensure proper and frequent hand washing habits.

    Speaking to GhanaWeb’s Western Regional Correspondent Daniel Kaku after the presentation, the District Chief Executive Mr. Kwasi Bonzoh said the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic had affected the District economically, adding that everything has come to a standstill.

    He said although the Assembly was spending millions of cedis to fight against the spread of the virus, the Assembly would make sure to protect government’s expenditure.

    Mr. Kwasi Bonzoh bemoaned how some market women and other sellers had increased the prices of Veronica buckets, sanitizers, tissues, liquid soaps, dustbins and other items.

    “As we are speaking prices of Veronica buckets, sanitizers, nose masks, liquid soaps, dustbins and other items have been increased as a result of the outbreak of the Coronavirus and these items people don’t get them to buy in our market places”, he lamented.

    He, therefore, seized the opportunity to appeal to the market women and other sellers to consider the buyers by not increase the prices of the aforementioned items.

    “We will appeal to the market women that whatever we doing, we are doing to protect ourselves so they should not increase the items in the aim of getting more profits, let us think about others not to take advantage of the situation to punish others”, he pleaded.

    The DCE said although the district had not recorded any case of Coronavirus but said they would not sit aloof to let the District record any case before acting.

    He said the Assembly was putting so many measures in place to stop the spread of the COVID-19 in the area.

    “We are putting so many measures in place to stop the spread of this deadly virus so within this week we will outline our measures to the entire district to adhere to so that this District will not record any case of the virus”, he disclosed.

    He added, “This virus does not have any cure so what we can do to prevent it is to wash our hands frequently and also use hand sanitizers and I will say that the best way to avoid contracting and spreading to contract and spreading the virus is to stay at home and also observe social distancing protocol”.

    He emphasized that lives were very important than economies, adding that government would continue to protect the lives of Ghanaians.

    “It is very necessary to spend much to protect ourselves because life is very important than economy because when someone loses his or her life, we cannot bring that life back but we can bring back our economy to life as President Akufo-Addo has so we are doing this to protect the good people of Ellembelle from the deadly Coronavirus so that they can go on with their daily lives”, he stated.

    Mr. Kwasi Bonzoh however, said the Assembly Members and Unit Committee Members in the area would be in charge of the Veronica buckets at their various Communities.

    He urged them to take good care of the Veronica buckets that would be stationed at their various Communities to benefit all.

    He concluded by appealing to all the residents in the District to join the campaign against the Coronavirus, “this fight is a shed responsibility so everybody must be on deck to intensify the education, I will continue to campaign against the Coronavirus and I know very soon the virus will vanish from Ghana and the whole world”.

    Ghana has so far recorded 195 confirmed cases with 5 deaths.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Bishop Titi-Ofei retracts building offer for Coronavirus isolation centre after protests

    Following mass protests against his donation, leader of the Titi-Ofei Ministries, Bishop Gideon Titi-Ofei has withdrawn his offer of a 100-bed facility to be used as an isolation centre for persons affected by the Coronavirus.

    Some residents of the Tema-West enclave objected to the usage of the place for the proposed purpose, with reasons that they were not consulted on the issue.

    According to them, the 100-bed facility would expose them to the deadly pandemic considering it is in close proximity to their buildings and the disease is highly contagious.

    Bishop Titi Ofei, responding to the concerns in a statement said he would consider other alternatives to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “I wish to assure my cherished neighbours that the offer was done in good faith. However, in the spirit of good neighbourliness, I have decided to offer other forms of assistance in the fight against COVID-19”, parts of the statement read.

    Read the full statement below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Aayalolo operations suspended temporarily over losses

    The Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) has temporarily grounded its Aayalolo buses due to losses it has been incurring following the social distancing protocols announced by the President and subsequent partial lockdown of Accra.

    Accra, Kumasi, Kasoa and Tema are currently four days into a two-week partial lockdown because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

    According to the management of the company, the bus currently takes 25 passengers instead of 89 in line with the new public gathering advisories.

    A visit to the Kinbu bus terminal in Accra showed an empty terminal with only security personnel and few buses on site.

    Public Relations Officer of GAPTE, Fred Tsidi, told Citi News that his outfit was currently awaiting a response from the Transport Ministry to decide on the next line of action.

    “Because of social distancing, we have decided not to take full capacity. Now you know that for 25 passengers, the revenue stream would be less.”

    “What we did was to make a proposal to the Ministry of transport. They requested to see revenue projections to see how much money will be generated from 25 passengers.”

    “We are not working this morning but the truth is that our buses, drivers and all personnel are all on standby waiting for the signal to get back on the road but as we speak right now, we have not heard anything. We are just waiting,” Mr. Tsidi explained.

    Source: Hawa Iddrisu | citinewsroom.com | Ghana

  • Sanitation Ministry to lead massive clean-up of Accra, Kumasi from April 3

    The Sanitation and Water Resources Ministry will be spearheading a three-day “massive clean-up exercise” in Accra and Kumasi from April 3 to April 5.

    The Ministry will be working with the Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies and members of the Environmental Service Providers Association “led by Zoomlion Ghana Limited.”

    “The exercise is to utilize the lockdown period to ensure effective cleaning and cleansing of the cities in support of the fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease,” a statement from the Ministry said.

    The exercise will focus on the desilting of gutters, collection and disposal of refuse from homes, public places and lorry parks and the emptying of street litter bins.

    Residents were advised to “keep their homes and immediate surroundings clean at all times and refrain from indiscriminate littering and disposal of refuse.”

    The lockdown has exposed the amount of rubbish generated in Accra.

    There are heaps of rubbish along the streets of Accra with some concerned persons demanding some attention from the government.

    In line with these concerns, the Ministry urged environmental service providers “to ensure regular collection and disposal of waste from homes within their concessional areas.”

    “Furthermore, residents are encouraged to keep their homes and immediate surroundings clean at all times and refrain from indiscriminate littering and disposal of refuse,” the statement added.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • FAKE NEWS: Schools not resuming on April 14

    GhanaWeb has sighted a statement making rounds on social media seeking to suggest the Minister of Education, Matthew Opoku Prempeh has given a directive for students across the country to go back to school.

    “The Minister of Education, Hon. Matthew Opoku Prempeh in a press release last night declared April 14 as the day to move our entire education sector to normalcy.

    Ghana Health Service confirmed the recovery of some forty-nine (49) coronavirus patients as at the end of March 2020. Even though the information ministry warned there could be more cases, NAPO stressed that the pandemic will be over by the second week of April.

    All students across the nation from basic, to the second cycle through to the tertiary will soon go back to school and resume academic work like China is doing now,” the statements reads.

    The statement sources peaceonline, citifmonline and in some cases www.ghanaweb.com.

    Checks by GhanaWeb, however, indicate that the news is *FAKE* and must be disregarded as the Education Ministry has not put out any such statement.

    GhanaWeb will also like to detach itself from any such news indicating this portal as the source.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • I’m happy coronavirus is in Ghana, it has exposed our leaders – Akpaloo

    Founder of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) Mr. Kofi Akpaloo, has opined Ghana is not in normal times.

    The fight against the coronavirus is a collective one, hence the need for everyone to join in the fight, he posited.

    He believes the government must develop measures to target the poor and marginalised in society especially when a partial lockdown has been announced.

    Majority of Ghanaians he said live from hand to mouth and asking them to lockdown is not the best.

    He condemned the alleged attacks on the public by the military who have been assigned duty in the ongoing operation.

    The outbreak in Africa he stated has exposed our leaders and how they exhibit poor leadership.

    ”I am happy coronavirus has arrived. Whoever developed the virus has done well because it has exposed African leaders and their poor leadership,” he said.

    Mr. Akaploo told Kwabena Agyapong on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that, the outbreak has shown that Ghana and Africa as a whole, is not prepared for lockdown compared to the European countries.

    The outbreak he argued is a ”biological weapon” which has been introduced. This is why people are being asked to stay home”.

    ”Some workers in the hospitality industry have been asked to go home. The government must, therefore, pay these workers. We have to do it,” he added.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Coronavirus Response: Government conducts final test for quarantined persons

    The National Covid-19 Team is conducting the second and final test for persons under 14-day mandatory quarantine.

    The Coronavirus test begun on April 1, and is expected until April 3, this year.

    This was made known in a statement sent by the Health Ministry on March 31, 2020 to those under quarantine.

    “I am by this letter informing you that the process of testing will commence today 1st April through 3rd April after which all test results would have been released and if you still test negative you will be allowed to go home but the team will continue to observe you at your home for some reasonable time.”

    According to the Ministry, over the last 10 or 11 days they have been under quarantine, efforts have been made to take their blood samples for testing.

    It says it has engaged clinical and counseling psychologists for the Over 1,000 of persons under quarantine on a one on one basis.

    It revealed that all necessary efforts have been made to relocate those who tested positive after the first test to treatment centres for care.

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Coronavirus: Time to initiate needed socio-economic reforms CDD

    The current COVID-19 pandemic is a wake-up call on countries including Ghana to initiate the needed socio-economic reforms, the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has said.

    CDD noted in a statement that COVID?19 is affecting 61.3% of the 194 World Health Organisation (WHO) member states.

    This situation, the research group said, will have a significant impact on the world, even in countries like Ghana that have seen a few reported cases as compared to some countries in the West and Asia.

    “So far, the following are known: The short-, medium- and long-term economic costs have not been fully elucidated. However, the loses on the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE?100) Index alone in the week ending 28th of February 2020 of £200 Billion surpassed the total global losses of SARS (£38.6 Billion), MERS (£6.6 Billion) and Ebola (£1.70 Billion) put together.

    “This total is also surpassed by the potential losses to the airline industry of £100 Billion as indicated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

    “Well-resourced health systems like the Chinese (GHSI 48.2), Italian (GHSI 56.2) and South Korean (GHSI 70.2) have had significant challenges fighting off the virus once it had taken hold.

    The Global Health Security (GHS) Index is the first comprehensive assessment and benchmarking of health security and related capabilities across the 195 countries that up the states parties to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). It measures countries preparedness towards dealing with an epidemic. Ghana’s GHSI is 35.5.

    Though the current mortality rate is 3.6%, the disease has been shown to cause significant morbidity in patients above the age of 60 and those with underlying chronic health conditions like hypertension, diabetes and asthma. For those over the age of 70, 21.9% (2 in 10) of confirmed cases lose their lives.

    “Personal hygiene, proper handwashing, the regular use of sanitisers and the avoidance of crowded spaces are effective means of minimising the risk of infection and person to person transmission.

    Major multi?nationals have had to significantly alter their work patterns to minimise the spread of the disease and large cities and countries have been put in lockdown mode.”

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Ho Assemblies of God Church catches fire during Facebook live streaming

    The Central Assemblies of God Church in Ho was Wednesday evening gutted by fire when some youth of the church were streaming a Facebook live service.

    According to eyewitnesses, they saw an air conditioner affixed to the office of the senior pastors on fire a few minutes before 7:00 pm.

    They said they called the Fire Service immediately and after about 15 minutes, the fire fighters arrived with a fire tender but had a tough time battling the blaze.

    Together with the support of some youth of Ho Ahoe, the fire fighters eventually managed to contain the fire until two additional fire tenders arrived.

    A number of offices attached to the church building were damaged by the fire.

    Source: Citinewsroom.com

  • IGP orders search for caning policeman and victim

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh has directed the Accra Regional Police Commander to probe into the case of an elderly woman alleged to have been assaulted by a police man on Wednesday.

    A viral video emerged Wednesday in which the woman, identified only as Madam Florence, was alleged to have been given two strokes of the cane by a police man for no apparent reason.

    She had gone to the market to buy tomatoes for sale in her stall, permissible under the lockdown regime in effect over Accra and Kumasi.

    She claimed as she made her way to the lorry park with a head porter carrying her goods in tow, a police man ordered them to go back.

    Madam Florence alleges that she turned to go back and called the head porter to follow suit, only to feel two sharp bites of the cane on her back, causing her to lose grip of the tomatoes she was carrying and spilling them, and when she turned, it was the policeman who had lashed her.

    Supt. Mrs. Sheila Abayie-Buckman, Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service says the IGP wants the woman to be traced and listened to for evidence gathering and the offending officer identified.

    She told Joy News: “It is unfortunate what happened to Madam Florence. In fact and indeed, when we saw the video yesterday the Inspector General of Police instructed (the) Accra Regional Commander to locate, to find whatever evidence can be found, to locate the woman to tell her story and if she points out to any of the security personnel having done that he should follow the lead to identify the police or the security officer.”

    Supt. Sheila Abayie-Buckman said the processes have started and that the woman says she can identify the policeman in question.

    “We know all the police officers who were detailed to duty at the point where the incident is purported to have happened,” she said.

    Security men supervising the lockdown in effect in Accra and Kumasi and their environs to help curtail the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic were Wednesday seen wielding canes, amidst sporadic reports of lockdown offenders being lashed with the canes.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • GWCL donates to health staff in four hospitals

    The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has distributed 500 packs of bottled water produced by the company to four hospitals in Accra to support medical practitioners in the frontline of the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

    They are the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, which received 200 packs; the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, the 37 Military Hospital and the Tema General Hospital, which got 100 packs each.

    The Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Mrs Cecilia Dapaah, who led a team of officials from the GWCL to make the presentation, assured the hospitals that the water would be replenished when needed.

    She noted that it was important for medical officers to have adequate access to drinking water, as it was essential for them to drink a lot of water, and commended them for putting in their best to fight the virus.

    Tanker services

    Mrs Dapaah stressed that water was essential in the effort by Ghanaians to take precautions against the COVID-19.

    She urged those who offered water tanker services to improve their services in communities and advised them against price hikes, saying that would prevent a lot of people from getting access to water.

    She indicated that the GWCL had put forward emergency numbers which one could call 24/7 and get served.

    Appreciation

    The Chief Executive Officer of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Daniel Asare; the Commander of the 37 Military Hospital, Brigadier General Nii Adjah Obodai; the Medical Director of the Tema General Hospital, Dr Richard Anthony, and the Medical Director of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Dr Emmanuel Srofenyo, receiving the water on behalf of their facilities, thanked the GWCL for the gesture, and stressed their commitment to work together with stakeholders to fight the virus.

    They called on entities to support the facilities with the necessary personal protective equipment.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Parliament approves $35m World Bank facility for COVID-19

    The motion for approval was moved by the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah, and seconded by the Minority Leader, Mr Haruna Iddrisu.

    Tackling impact

    Moving the motion for the adoption and approval of the agreement, Dr Assibey-Yeboah said as of March 29, 2020, Ghana had recorded 152 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with five deaths and two recoveries.

    He informed the House that the country was expected to have a significant negative impact from the disease.

    He said preliminary assessment indicated that using an average crude oil price of $30 per barrel for 2020, expected petroleum revenue would record a shortfall of GHc5.66 billion ($993 million).

    He said the slowing down of domestic economic activity was expected to hit tax revenue to the tune of GHc2.25 billion, which was expected to have negative impacts on the transport, hotel and tourism sectors.

    He said the scale and the severity of the impact of the COVID-19 on Ghana would depend on the scope and the nature of responses from Ghanaians, as well as the government and its international development partners.

    “Cognisant of this, the government of Ghana has developed a national Emergency Preparedness and Response Project (EPRP) for the COVID-19 valued at $100 million.

    “The instant loan facility from the IDA is thus to part finance the EPRP,” Dr Assibey-Yeboah said.

    Project objective

    The New Juaben South MP told the House that the project development objective was to prevent, detect and respond to the threat posed by the pandemic and strengthen national systems for public health preparedness in Ghana.

    Among others, he said, the EPRP for the COVID-19 specifically aimed to strengthen the coordination of overall preparedness activities, strengthen the capacity of regions, priority health facilities and points of entry to prevent, rapidly test, investigate and control any COVID-19 outbreak in Ghana.

    He also said it would strengthen the national capacity for laboratory surveillance and diagnosis, build capacity for early diagnosis, case management, contact tracing and infection prevention and control.

    “It will ensure minimum health logistics are in place in prioritised regions, health facilities and points of entry for preparedness and laboratory capacity sustained for timely and quality testing of COVID-19 samples,” Dr Assibey-Yeboah said.

    Project components

    He said the implementation of the project would have four main components.

    He said $21.5 million would be earmarked for Component One of the project, which involved case detection, confirmation, contact tracing, recording and reporting, containment, isolation and treatment, as well as social and financial support for households, and health system strengthening.

    Under Component Two, which involves the strengthening of multi-sector national institutions and platforms for policy development and coordination of prevention and preparedness, using “One health” approach, he said, $3.4 million had been set aside.

    For Component Three, he said, $7.4 million would be used for community engagement and risk communication, while Component Four, for which $2.7 million had been set aside, would involve the implementation of management, monitoring and evaluation of the project management.

    Project beneficiaries

    The MP told the House that the expected project beneficiaries would be at-risk populations, infected people, medical, paramedical and emergency personnel, as well as medical, quarantine and testing facilities and health agencies in the public, non-state and private sectors.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Coronavirus: Congolese Ex-President dies of virus

    Former Republic of Congo president Jacques Joaquim Yhombi Opango died in France on Monday of the new coronavirus (Covid-19), his family told AFP. He was 81.

    Yhombi Opango, who led Congo-Brazzaville from 1977 until he was toppled in 1979, died at a Paris hospital, his son Jean-Jacques said.

    Yhombi Opango had been ill before he contracted the virus, his son added.

    ARMY OFFICER

    Born in 1939 in Congo’s northern Cuvette region, Yhombi Opango was an army officer who rose to power after the assassination of president Marien Ngouabi.

    The troubled oil-rich former French colony was aligned with the Soviet Union during Ngouabi’s 1968-1977 rule.

    Yhombi Opango was ousted by long-time ruler Denis Sassou Nguesso.

    JAILED

    Accused of taking part in a coup plot against Sassou Nguesso, Yhombi Opango was jailed from 1987 to 1990. He was released a few months before a 1991 national conference that introduced multi-party politics in the central African country.

    He founded the Rally for Democracy and Development party but lost in a 1992 presidential election.

    Yhombi Opango later allied with elected president Pascal Lissouba, becoming his prime minister between 1994 and 1996.

    When civil war broke out in Congo in 1997, Yhombi Opango fled into exile in France.

    He was finally able to return home in 2007, but then divided his time between France and Congo because of his health problems.

    Source: Theeastafrican.co.ke

  • Voters’ register: EC withdraws and relays Public Elections Amendment Regulations again

    The Electoral Commission (EC), has withdrawn and re-laid to Parliament for a new Constitutional Instrument (C.I) to compile new voters register for the 2020 general elections.

    The Public Elections Amendment Regulations was re-laid in Parliament for the second time in less than seven days.

    The Public Elections (Regulation of Voters) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 when passed will make a passport number one identification to be presented as evidence as a Ghanaian.

    The C.I, signed by the Chairperson of The Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, in line with article 51 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana is seeking to amend Regulation 1 of the Public Elections (Registration of Voters) Regulations, 2016 (C1. 91).

    According to the C.I and by the substitution for sub-regulation (3) of (3), “a person who applies for registration as a voter shall provide as evidence of identification one of the following:

    (a) a passport;

    (b) a national identification card; or (c) one voter registration identification guarantee form as set out in Form One of the Schedule, that has been completed and signed by two registered voters and (b) by the substitution for sub-regulation (4) of “(4) Despite paragraph (c) of sub-regulation (3), a registered voter shall not guarantee the identity of more than ten persons”.

    Inusah Fuseini, a Ranking Member on the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, said when the document was laid in Parliament, “it was not accompanied with a schedule” and was withdrawn and re-laid by the EC.

    Source: Pulse.com.gh

  • 14 Nigeriens in isolation at Banda Nkwanta

    Fourteen  Nigeriens who found their way into Banda Nkwanta in the Bole District of the Savannah Region have been placed in isolation in the wake of the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease in the country.

    The Nigeriens arrived at Banda Nkwanta on Monday, March 30, 2020.

    The Bole District Director of Health Services, Mr David Bakari who confirmed the development in an interview with the Daily Graphic/Graphic Online, said the foreigners have been screened and their temperatures found to be within the normal body temperature.

    He said they were also not within the case definition for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on their arrivals but have been placed in isolation to keep the social distancing protocols.
    Police
    The Savannah Regional Police Commander , Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Mr Enoch Adutwum Bediako who briefed the Daily Graphic on the arrival of the 14 Nigeriens said Police at Banda Nkwanta on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at about 8.30am received information from the chief of Banda Nkwanta that 14 Nigeriens on had on the previous day found their way into the community without any test being conducted on them.

    He said the chief of the area told the police he contacted the police patrol team who detained the foreigners to enable them to go through the necessary processes but the police complained of lack of accommodation.

    He said the police quickly contacted the District Health Directorate and the District COVID-19 team was dispatched to the area to screen the visitors after which they were placed in isolation.

    Source: https://www.graphic.com.gh/

  • Coronavirus: Recoverd Kenyan says virus is real and treatable

    A young woman, who was Kenya’s first reported case of Covid-19, has said she has fully recovered after 23 days of treatment.

    Identified only as Brenda, she told reporters she had been visiting the US since last December, but suspected that she contracted the coronavirus on her flight back to Kenya from London in early March.

    “I had a cough three days into landing in the country,” Benda said.

    She then went to the government isolation centre in the capital, Nairobi, to begin her treatment, adding that the staff there “treated her well”.

    “[Covid-19] is something that can be managed and it is treatable,” Brenda said about her message to Kenyans.

    Brian, the other recovered patient, who said he contracted the virus after interacting with Brenda, said he was also feeling much better.

    He said that his experience had made his relatives believe that the disease “is real and treatable”.

    Brenda and Bran spoke to President Uhuru Kenyatta via video link during the press briefing.

    Kenya has confirmed 59 Covid-19 cases since it announced the first one on 13 March.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Soldier goes viral after using tactical approach to enforce lockdown

    Whiles, there is a surge in videos showing security officials assaulting civilians being circulated on social media, GhanaWeb’s lenses have spotted a rare but heart-melting video of a soldier who had something to say about the issue.

    The video which has gone viral on social media has seen Ghanaians commending this Ghanaian military officer who chose to encourage some passengers not to put their lives at risk because of hardships in life.

    “It is better than losing your lives tp go through the hardships in your homes than you leaving this world. Your maker up there has a purpose for you so please stay home…Make it very easy for everybody. We would be glad to stay with our families but we are now here working for God and country. It is for you, so please stay home,” he is heard saying.

    Though his identity is yet to be disclosed, Ghanaians have taken to their social media platforms to heap praises on him for choosing such an approach in ensuring the lockdown directives, imposed by the president are adhered to.

    Soldiers involved in lockdown brutalities withdrawn from operations

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces have withdrawn some soldiers seen maltreating civilians in viral videos from the Operation COVID Safety.

    Some videos making the rounds on social media and sighted by Prime News Ghana on day one of the Coronavirus lockdown revealed that some military personnel who are part of the Operation COVID Safety are seen maltreating persons found flouting the directive.

    Some of the persons are made to squat, whiles others are made to crawl on the ground with their bare hands as a punishment for flouting the directive.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Lockdown: Police allegedly beat DCE, Net 2 journalist with vehicle fan belt, horsewhips

    There have been several reports of assaults on civilians by personnel from the security agencies since the commencement of 2 weeks partial lockdown as directed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    Though the Ghana Armed Forces has dissociated itself from such brutalities, a release by Colonel E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director of Public Relations, stated that videos circulating on social media depicting such acts are doctored and re-cycled videos of past events some of which did not even originate in Ghana.

    In a video that has gone viral, police officials enforcing the lockdown at Trabuom near Kumasi allegedly beat the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Afigya Kwabre South in the Ashanti Region, Adu Poku Christian and a journalist with Net 2 and Oman FM.

    It is reported the two were whipped with vehicle fan belts and horsewhips by the enraged security officers.

    Mynewsgh.com reports that according to an eyewitness and an aide to the DCE, they were moving from one checkpoint to the other distributing nose masks, sanitizers and water but on reaching Trabuom Atimatim a confrontation ensued between the head of the police team and the DCE.

    “A pickup vehicle was overloaded with some of the security men without recourse to the social distancing protocols. When the DCE sought to find out why and if he could be of help, the commander became angry and violent. He started beating up the DCE and was joined by his subordinates. I had to flee for my life”, he confessed to MyNewsGh.com.

    It is reported that the camera of the Net 2 journalist was seized as well after he was seen capturing the heated exchange and alleged brutalities.

    A two-week partial lockdown has been imposed in some parts of the country since Monday, March 30 under the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012) to combat the Coronavirus pandemic nationwide.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo imposed the restrictions on the movement of persons in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA, which include Awutu Senya East which is a municipality in the Central Region, Kumasi Metropolitan Area, and contiguous districts, for a period of two (2) weeks or 14 days subject to review.

    This means that everyone residing in these areas must stay at home for the next two weeks or 14 days with the exception of the media, members of parliament, electricity companies, among other key stakeholders.

    Only essential movements are tolerated, such as going out for food, water, medicine, banking transactions, or public toilet facilities. But, as much as possible, people are advised to stay at home.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Tema residents protest use of Titi-Ofei’s facility as coronavirus isolation centre

    Residents of Tema Community 18 are protesting Bishop Titi-Ofei’s plan to allow his property to be used as an isolation Centre for COVID-19 patients.

    They say they were not consulted before the decision was reached because an isolation centre can not be in the middle of a busy town.

    One of the residents who spoke to Joy News said: “The concern of the community is that we were not consulted, we feel this place is not good for an isolation centre because if you check the next neighbour is just a wall away from them, the gutter to be used is used by many, this is an infectious disease that has come up. When you go to the hospitals the isolation centres are close to the mortuary so why plant an isolation centre in the middle of the community. We wanted an engagement first if he declines we will use legal means”.

    Bishop Titi-Ofei also spoke on the issue said he is only offering a helping hand to the authorities and it is up to them to determine if the facility is suitable for such purpose.

    “One of about 3 spaces we are offering for accommodation, we have set up the place and we want the experts to come and see if the place is good to be used. Doctor Obrempong Owusu head of Tema West Public Health was excited when he saw the place, the MP for the area, MCE and others have all called and given great feedback. I have been in the community for a long time so this is the least I can do to help”.

    The 100-bed facility if approved will be used by the Health Directorate as an isolation centre for patients of the novel Coronavirus.

    The Bishop is a member of the National Peace Council of Ghana and also serves as the President and CEO of Almond Institute.

    Ghana’s COVID-19 cases keep rising as it is now 195. 3 persons have been discharged after testing negative.

    18 persons are at home and responding to treatment and 80 persons are at the treatment facilities.

    49 have been discharged and are home receiving final treatment and will test later.

    Source: Primenewsghana.com

  • Coronavirus: We won’t accept reckless tribalism and attacks on John Mahama – NDC to NPP

    The National Democratic Congress in the Savannah Region says the Nana-Addo led NPP government has failed in its effort at mobilising the necessary logistics, resources and personnel in the fight against the deadly COVID-19.

    In a statement,its Communication Director, Mr.Malik Basintale, describe as reckless attempts by the NPP in the region to equalize this failure with unguided attacks on the person of former president Mahama.

    He said they would resist such attacks with combined energy and synergy.

    Whilst distancing themselves from partisan politics with regards to the fight against Coronavirus,he said the donation by Ex-president Mahama to the Ridge hospital was timely and commendable.

    In his view,the gesture to the hospital was simply patriotic.

    “That was a patriotic donation to Ghana and shall remain a patriotic donation for and on behalf of the Savannah Region.We are happy that a son of the soil is making waves not only in his home Region but touching humanity everywhere in the Country without due regard to where one comes from,” he said.

    He therefore wondered why the NPP would think that the donation should have been made to the many hospitals in the Savannah Region,where the former president hails from.

    “We thank them for exposing the total failure of Akufo-Addo’s Government in the fight against this deadly Virus and feel sad for most especially the front line Health Staff who have been directed by Nana Addo to undertake such suicide missions of having to combat this deadly pandemic without the neccessary PPEs.

    We are saddened that the arm chair executives of the NPP will allow thoughts of petty politics, shameful and unethical propaganda and gross irresponsibility supercede the very patriotic attitude we have been wanting to share with them at least in fighting this deadly pandemic,”excerpts of the statement read.

    The NDC he noted,was contributing its quota in the fight against Coronavirus in the Savannah Region with the donation of Veronica buckets,money, secondary logistics among other Personal Protection Equipment.

    According to him,they have made several calls to President Akufo-Addo to equip hospitals and health facilities in the region with Personal Protection Equipment and logistics to no avail.

    He admonished the NPP to desist from politicising issues with regards the Coronavirus and join hands with well meaning citizens and stakeholders to contain the spread of the virus in the region.

    The spokesman for the umbrella family called on president Akuffo-Addo and his team that toured Europe,including the Deputy Chief of staff,Lawyer Abu Jinapor and the NPP Savannah Regional Chairman,Prof. (Kalimonia) to self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19.

    Source: Ananpansah B Abraham, Contributor

  • Property owners, landlords urged to report arrival dates of tenants from abroad

    The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has entreated all property owners and landlords to report the arrival dates of Ghanaian and non-Ghanaian tenants who arrived in the country from March 3 to 23rd.

    This, according to the GIS, is to enable the government effectively and efficiently identify such individuals through contact tracing for the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to assess and manage.

    The new directive was contained in a press release signed by Supt. Michael Amoako-Atta, Head of Public Affairs and copied to GhanaWeb this afternoon.

    Further to that, the GIS has announced to the public, contacts through which they can relay such important information.

    “The GIS can be reached through phone numbers: 0291502110, 0291502169, 0291502257 and 0291502253”.

    The GIS statement, however, cautioned that landlords and property owners who fail to do so will be sanctioned.

    “Failure to adhere to this directive and found culpable will attract severe sanctions in accordance with the laws of the country.”

    Read the full statement below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Government announces 311 information centres for COVID-19

    The Government of Ghana has announced 311 as a COVID-19 information center primarily to facilitate the flow of information on the novel virus.

    This was announced by the Minister of Information, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah in a press conference today, 1st April 2020.

    Addressing the gathering, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah stated that “To facilitate more clarity in information flow to citizens on covid-19 and related matters, the Government of Ghana is this morning deploying a National Information Contact center.

    “We have already announced the use of the national emergency contact number 112 which is now being used to receive calls from people who have developed symptoms and want to report to be tested.

    In addition, we are this morning announcing the contact number 311 for this purpose” he added.

    The center is to help provide information to the general public on the COVID-19, provide real time information on clarifications of the imposition of restrictions, receive feedback from medical facilities that have still not received Personal Protected Equipment (PPEs) and receive feedback from citizens on the observation of restrictions in local communities.

    In addition, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah announced that “a whatsApp interface has been made available.

    The number to that interface is 0555311311.

    That is also part of the National Information Contact Center to provide you with information or to take feedback from you on COVID-19 matters.”

    Mr. Oppong Nkrumah took the opportunity to advise prank callers “to stop as we have started blocking people who are making those prank calls. We need to free those lines so that people who have genuine cases can get through.

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • COVID-19: Compulsory contact tracing and testing in Ayawaso West begins

    A compulsory house to house Coronavirus tracing and testing exercise is set to be carried out in the Ayawaso West Municipality in the Greater Accra Region from today (April 1, 2020).

    The announcement made by the Municipal Health Directorate follows the identification of the Municipality as a hotspot for the virus.

    The exercise will be conducted for 10 days to tackle the spread of COVID-19 among residents.

    According to the Health Directorate, a directive from the National Level has been given to conduct a COVID-19 contact tracing of all persons who have come into contact with COVID-19 positive patients.

    It said a compulsory house to house testing of every individual residing in Ayawaso West Municipal Municipality will be conducted.

    Source: gbcghanaonline.com

  • Partial lockdown: Essential service workers not allowed to travel despite exemptions Police clarify

    Director of Public Affairs at the Ghana Police Service, DSP Shiela  Kesse Abayie-Buckman, has explained that the exemption given to some specific service providers does not guarantee their travels to other cities during the two-week lockdown period.

    According to her, the essence of the imposition of restrictions will be defeated if people are allowed to move freely anywhere just because they fall within the essential service category of workers.

    President Akufo-Addo, while announcing the two-week partial lockdown of the Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi, Tema Metropolis and Kasoa in the Central Region gave exceptions to some service providers including people in the food value chain, construction workers, members of the three arms of Government, as well as medical practitioners, among others.

    Concerns have been raised, however, by some Ghanaians who are part of these categories that even though they provide the necessary identification, they are often prevented by security personnel manning the roadblocks from going outside their cities to perform their essential roles.

    Responding to these complaints on Accra-based Starr FM, Mrs Ababyie-Buckman indicated that if the country wants to be able to minimize contact and contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, no intercity travel should be encouraged, whether or not the services are of essential nature.

    According to her, the only categories of people permitted to move from one city to the other are persons travelling with cargos with essential goods or medical personnel undertaking COVID-19 testing and contact tracing in other cities.

    “People live in Aburi, people live in Akropong, and Mampong and work in Accra, what will be the essence of restrictions and imposition of restrictions if people could just move about freely? Everybody is encouraged to stay home so that we minimize contact so that we are able to contain the coronavirus disease.

    “If a staff is exempted, the general idea is that the staff would be working within the city which is locked, however, if the staff has an ID to show within the city, the staff will be allowed to go otherwise, the exemptions for the intercity movement is for cargo of some essential goods and for medical staff attending to contact tracing and for testing so staff who live within the city of greater Accra, greater Kumasi, Kasoa and Tema, are expected to be exempted to work within those cities for instance if you are a bank staff and you work with any of the banks, we expect that you would go to work within your city at the bank branch and not outside otherwise there will be no essence for the roadblocks and so we would expect that you also educate the masses to understand this and contain themselves for the next two weeks,” she indicated.

     

    Source: ABCNewsgh.com

  • Transport operators close Accra, Kumasi stations in Volta Region

    Transport operators in the Volta Region have closed down all bus stations for Accra and Kumasi routes.

    This development comes after the President directed a partial lockdown of Greater Accra including Tema, Kasoa in the Central Region and Greater Kumasi for two weeks.

    The Accra and Kumasi stations have remained empty since the lockdown came into effect with buses grounded.

    Although the GPRTU and PROTOA station officers at the Ho-Accra station refused to speak on record, it was detected that they had closed down the Accra, Ashaiman and Madina stations in particular.

    A similar action was taken at the Kumasi Station.

    The STC terminal and the Metro Mass Transit terminal also closed.

    A Metro Mass driver who plies the Ho- Koforidua Kumasi route said “We are at home. We are all not working on any of our routes including the Accra and Kumasi routes.”

    The MMT driver who gave his name as Akyea noted that even the Koforidua route has also been affected by the lockdown because it is the Kumasi bus that serves that route as well. At Hohoe, Kadjebi, Sogakofe, Dzodze and Kpando residents say Accra and Kumasi vehicles alike are not available.

    The station officers nonetheless revealed to DGN Online that after the announcement of the lockdown last Friday evening, traffic from Accra and Kumasi into the region increased considerably.

    A ticketing personnel of the GPRTU station at Madina who gave his name as Sammy said, “Saturday 28 and Sunday 29, March, 2020 was very busy for us. We run out of buses and left some of the travellers stranded.”

    He said over 200 buses going to the region: Ho, Hohoe, Aflao, Akatsi, Kpando among others transported a lot of people who he believes were trying to avoid being caught in the lockdown.

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Wednesday: Advertised jobs in newspaper today

    Prospective job seekers can find below the advertised jobs in the April 1, 2020 edition of Daily Graphic as published in the paper today.

    Source: theghanareport.com

  • Coronavirus: Ayawaso West Municipality identified as hotspot

    A compulsory house to house Coronavirus tracing and testing exercise is set to be carried out in the Ayawaso West Municipality in the Greater Accra Region from Wednesday, April 1, 2020.

    The Municipality has been identified as a hotspot for the virus.

    The exercise will be conducted for 10 days to tackle the spread of COVID-19 among residents, a statement from the Municipal Health Directorate said on Tuesday.

    “A directive from the National Level has been given to conduct a COVID-19 contact tracing of all persons who have come into contact with COVID-19 positive patients…and conduct compulsory house to house testing of every individual residing in Ayawaso West Municipal Municipality”, the statement said.

    Over a hundred health and security officers from the police, immigration and national security are expected to be deployed for the exercise in the municipality.

    The Ayawaso West Municipality includes areas such as Legon, Dzorwulu, East Legon, West Legon, Okponglo, Abelenkpe, Roman Ridge, Airport Residential and surrounding communities.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

     

  • Vice President Bawumia donates 500 Cedis each to ‘Ejisu’ Kayaye

    The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has donated 500 Cedis to each of the stranded Kayaye (head porters) who were stopped at Ejisu in the Ashanti Region on their way to the Northern Region.

    The head porters, numbering about 76, had attempted to flee from Accra back to their hometowns in the wake of the President’s order for a partial lockdown in the Capital City and other parts of the country, but their journey back home was unsuccessful as it fell within the lockdown time on Monday.

    Their attempted mass crossover to the north was seen as a threat to stop the spread of the virus in the country, and they were thus stopped from proceeding by security officials, who returned them to Accra.

    Despite the temporary provision of shelter for them by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, many have raised concerns over the plight of the Kayayes under the current circumstance, as business activities in the heart of Accra have come to a halt.

    It is in response of this that the Vice President has donated 500 Cedis to each of them to ameliorate their plight during the period of the partial lockdown.

    The donation was made on behalf of the Vice President by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama. She was accompanied by Dr. Sagare Bambangi , MP for Walewale and Mustafa Ussif, CEO of the National Service Secretariat.

    Hajia Alima Mahama also revealed that President Akufo-Addo has directed that government assist all Kayaye head porters by giving each of them GH 10 cedis per day to buy food throughout the lockdown period.

    Meanwhile the Vice President has also urged all Ghanaians to continue to observe the preventive measures of regular washing of hands with soap under running water, while they observe the partial lockdown at their respective homes.

    “While we stay at home to prevent the spread, let us continue to adhere strictly to all the preventive measures to avoid the spread of the virus,” he urged.

    “Let us continue to wash our hands regularly with soap under running water, as well as constantly use alcohol-based hand sanitizers to sanitize our hands. We shall overcome, in shaa Allah.”

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Defence Minister cautions the public against recording security personnel on coronavirus duty

    The Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, has advised the public to desist from taking videos of security personnel enforcing coronavirus restrictions.

    Reacting to complain of security personnel abusing citizens in a viral video circulating on social media, the minister insisted it was wrong for security officers to abuse citizens, but also condemned the act of recording security officers, while they discharge their duties.

    He insisted some of the videos were old videos being circulated by some propagandist to push their own agenda.

    He was, however, quick to add that the military hierarchy would take on the ones that were verified to be true.

    “Some of the videos are old videos from 2018, however, the squats video with the young lady has been taken on by the GAF, the officer is being dealt with,” he assured in an interview on Citi News.

    The Defence, however, advised security officers not to abuse citizens who flout the lockdown directives by the President.

    The Minister admitted the country was not in normal times, but that did not warrant any security officer the right to abuse citizens.

    “They are not to assault anybody, but to generally assist the police in ensuring that people adhere to the lockdown directive,” he said.

    However, he advised the citizenry to desist from provoking the law enforcers by adhering strictly to the directives given by the President on the partial lockdown because of the rapid spread of the deadly novel coronavirus.

    Source: theghanareport.com

  • Coronavirus: Mamprusi West Assembly mount checkpoints to screen entrants

    From North East Region Correspondant

    Due to the President’s directive for the lockdown of Accra and Kumasi as part of measures to manage the coronavirus pandemic, the Municipal Chief Executive for West Mamprusi Municipal in the newly created North East Region Honourable Arimyao Somo Lucky has mounted two checkpoints to ensure that people who are trooping into the Municipality from the lockdown cities are screened.

    The screening exercise is being organized by the Municipal taskforce against coronavirus under the leadership of the MCE. The first checkpoint is at Nasia which happens to be the entrance of the municipal whilst Walewale, the municipal capital hosts the remaining centre. No case of coronavirus has been recorded so far in the municipality, and North East region as a whole. The screening is being carried out by health experts from the Walewale municipal hospital.

    The purpose of the screening is to detect possible cases and to also take the data of new entrants into the Municipality.

    Mr Somo Arimiyao remarked, “Today, we have not less than 25 buses that we have brought for the screening. And we have also made available a place at Walewale Senior High School to quarantine people who may be potential victims.”

    He assured all residents of West Mamprusi Municipal that the quarantine centre is ready and available for use when necessary. And he shall do more in his capacity to ensure that the municipal is safe and free from the coronavirus.

    The screening exercise is expected to continue for an additional day since more people are still trooping into the municipal from Accra and Kumasi.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Bolt offers free transport services to health workers in lockdown areas

    The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association has collaborated with ride-hailing service, Bolt to offer free transportation services to health workers in affected lockdown areas in the country.

    Nurses and Midwives in Accra, Tema, Kasoa, and Kumasi complained of the difficulty they go through before getting to their workplace due to the restriction of movement imposed by the government.

    This has compelled many commercial vehicles to suspend operations.

    To address this concern, the Association is collaborating with Bolt and the Transport Ministry to provide convenient means of transportation for its members.

    President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo said Bolt has been provided with the biodata of its members and upon request, such persons will receive a free ride to their health facilities.

    She further added that “the services, when rolled out, would not be used inappropriately by members but only from their residences to their health facilities.”

    Other incentives provided to make health workers focused on their duties at this critical time is the introduction of an insurance cover.

    Health workers have, thus, been advised to remain calm when treating COVID-19 patients since government has announced an insurance package for them.

    According to the Health Minister, health personnel are entitled to GH¢350,000.00 Group Life, GH¢25,000.00 Critical Illness and GH¢10,000.00 Total Temporal Disability (all causes) insurance packages.

    Also, the Association has reached out to pharmaceutical companies to support its members with hand sanitizers to make their work easier.

    Source: ABCNewsgh.com

  • Coronavirus: MCE orders closure of Suame market as traders storm market

    The Municipal Chief Executive of Suame Assembly, Dr. John Osei Bobie this morning ordered the immediate lockdown of the Suame market in Kumasi.

    His order came after hundreds of traders showed up at the market this morning to engage in trading activities despite an earlier arrangement to ensure social distancing in the market.

    Following the partial lockdown directive by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to check the spread of Coronavirus in Ghana, authorities in affected areas like the Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi, and Kasoa have been making arrangements to ensure providers of essential services are able to work.

    The exemptions included market women who sell food and food commodities with arrangements made to ensure social distancing in markets during the lockdown period.

    However, this morning when the MCE went to the market, he was greeted with scenes of an overcrowded market with people earnestly engaged in trading activities.

    Dr Osei Bobie who was unhappy with the situation ordered some military officers to ensure the immediate lockdown of the market.

    He indicated that even though the assembly had made arrangements to ensure only a limited number of traders had access to the market, the traders ended up flouting the arrangement thereby putting themselves and others at risk of contracting the deadly coronavirus.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • North Tongu Assembly provides relief for 128 PWDs

    A total of one hundred and twenty-eight (128) Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) drawn from the six (6) traditional areas of the North Tongu District of the Volta Region have been supported with various relief items at a grand ceremony at Battor Dugame, the district capital.

    The colourful event which was the second of its kind within one year, was organized from the three (3) percent disability component of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF).

    The relief items were selected by the beneficiaries themselves through discussions held between them and the District Assembly through its Social Welfare Department. The protocol was employed to avoid the situation where the recipients of the items would reject them on the grounds that they were not consulted and involved in the decision to acquire the items for them.

    The relief items included food such as sugar, gari, rice, tin tomatoes and cooking oil for about forty-six of the beneficiaries, mostly women, who expressed the desire to go into the food vending venture in their respective communities. Between thirty and forty of the PWDs also received 300-litre size deep freezers and 50-litre size of iced chests for use in selling iced water and ice blocks as well as iced cream to earn a decent income.

    Three of the beneficiaries took home corn mills that would not only turn around their economic fortunes but also help address the huge challenge residents of some remote areas in the district face in grinding corn for their domestic use.

    Six of the PWDs also received laptops and desktop computers and their accessories for their studies while others went home with pumping machines, industrial sewing machines, metallic plastic chairs for hiring as well as roofing sheets and vulcanizing machines. Three PWDs were supported with mobile phones, SIM cards in addition to airtime worth GHS 1,500 each to enable them start a credit transfer business in their various localities.

    The items would not only equip the beneficiaries with the necessary tools and materials to earn a decent living in the society but also enable them generate some income from the start-up items to support their families.

    Presenting the items to the beneficiaries, District Chief Executive (DCE) for the district, Hon. Richard Collins Arku noted that the role of PWDs in the socio-economic development of the district cannot be over-emphasized. According to him, his outfit with the support of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo would continue to support the PWDs in order to put smiles on their faces.

    Hon. Arku emphasized that the days when what he described as peanuts in the form of cash, were given to PWDs in the name of supporting them, are gone, adding that such persons also have a dignified life to live as members of the larger society. The DCE cautioned the beneficiary PWDs not to go and sell the items, warning that the Assembly would severely sanction anyone caught in the act.

    According to some of the beneficiaries, the items signified the fulfilment of a big dream in their lives. They expressed gratitude to the DCE and the government for the support given them.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 2 chiefs, 26 others arrested over chieftaincy clashes at Yong

    The Northern Regional Police Command , has arrested two chiefs and 26 other persons in connection with the renewed chieftaincy clashes at Yong Dakpemayili in the Northern Region.

    Two persons have been shot as a result of the renewed chieftaincy clashes between the claimants of the Yong skin.

    DGN Online, gathered that about six houses have been burnt into ashes.

    Two men, Fuseini Chimsi and Mohammed Chimsi, are both holding themselves as chief of Yong.

    However, the Dakpemah Naa, Fuseini Bawa reportedly selected a successor for the Yong skin which resulted in the clashes with the losing side accusing the chief of taking bribe.

    The Northern Regional Crime Officer, Supt.Otuo Acheampong who confirmed the arrests said the suspects have been charged with causing unlawful damage to buildings and rioting with offensive weapons.

    He said that the suspects will be arraigned before the Tamale Circuit court after investigations.

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Lockdown forces Chief Justice to adjourn all cases to May, June

    All court cases being heard in Greater Accra and Kumasi have been adjourned to May and June 2020 on the orders of Chief Justice Anin Yeboah due to the partial lockdown of the two cities by the government as a way of mitigating the spread of the coronavirus pandemic which has, so far, killed five of the one hundred fifty-two people infected in Ghana with two recoveries.

    The President exempted the Judiciary from the lockdown but the CJ says the restrictions on movement affects lawyers, litigants and other court users.

    “For this reason, registrars are directed to adjourn all cases listed during this period to dates in May and June 2020,” the CJ said in a statement.

    He has also designated some specific courts in the affected regions to deal with critical cases such as “breaches arising from the restriction orders and other criminal matters”.

    The Supreme Court and Court of Appeal are also available to handle urgent cases as may be determined by the Chief Justice during this period.

    Other measures

    To reduce the number of workers, support staff who fall in certain categories, have already been requested to take their annual leave.

    A skeletal staff who will, however, be required to be in place to support the designated courts are registrars, cashiers, court clerks, interpreters, recorders and bailiffs.

    Find the designated courts below:

    COURTS DESIGNATED IN GREATER ACCRA

    COURT

    LOCATION

    1. General Jurisdiction 3

    Accra Law Court Complex

    2. Human Rights 2

    Accra Law Court Complex

    3. Circuit Court 11

    Accra

    4. Circuit Court 1

    Accra

    5. District Court, Adjabeng

    Adjabeng, Accra

    6. District Court 1, Kaneshie

    Workers College

    7. District Court, Teshie-Nungua

    Teshie Nungua

    8. District Court 1, Madina

    Madina

    9. Circuit Court 1, Adentan

    Adenta

    10. Circuit Court, Amasaman

    Amasaman

    11. District Court 1, Amasaman

    Amasaman

    12. High Court 1 Tema

    Tema

    13. Circuit Court 1 Tema

    Tema

    14. District Court 1, Tema

    Tema

    15. District Court, Ashaiman

    Ashaiman

    COURTS IN GREATER KUMASI

    COURT

    LOCATION

    1. Human Rights Court 8

    Kumasi

    2. High Court 3

    Kumasi

    3. Circuit Court 2

    Adum

    4. Circuit Court KMA

    KMA

    5. District Court 1, Adum

    Adum

    6. District Court 2, Asokwa

    Asokwa

    7. District Court, Mampongteng

    Mampongteng

    8. District Court, Ejisu

    Ejisu

    9. District Court, Asokore Mampong

    Asokore Mampong

    10. Circuit Court, Nkawie

    Nkawie

    11. District Court, Kuntenase

    Kuntenase

    12. District Court, Akropong

    Akropong

    13. District Court, Kodie

    Kodie

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Ghana National Blood Service suspends mass blood donations

    In the wake of the deadly coronavirus, the Ghana National Blood Service has suspended all mass blood donations within the country to prevent the further spread of the disease.

    “To prevent coronavirus spread, we have suspended mass blood donations all over Ghana,” a communique released by the organization reads.

    Although they have ruled out mass blood donations because of the coronavirus and the lockdown imposed by the government, they encourage the public to book a one-on-one appointment with their workers to donate blood.

    “But right now, many sick people will die unless they receive blood transfusion. Please get in touch for a blood donation appointment,” they concluded.

    View the full communique below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Bono East Regional Minister urges co-operation ahead market disinfection

    The Bono East Regional Co-ordinating Council will be undertaking a scheduled disinfection exercise in 73 markets on Monday, March 30, 2020.

    The disinfection exercise which is expected to be carried out in all the 11 Municipal and District Assemblies in the region forms part of efforts by government to prevent a community spread of the novel coronavirus.

    Ahead of the disinfection exercise, the Bono East Regional Minister, Kofi Amoakohene has appealed to the public for their utmost co-operation.

    Making the appeal, the Minister charged Market Queens and Traders to co-operate with the Regional Co-ordinating Council for the success of the exercise.

    He urged the traders to bear with the RCC by adhering to the ban on activities at the various market centres in the interest of all.

    “I wish to kindly inform the general public and the good people of the Bono East that under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development nationwide disinfection Programme on COVID-19, a mass spraying exercise of markets will be conducted in all the 11 Municipal and District Assemblies in the Bono East Region on 30th March 2020 at 5:00 am.”

    “In this regard, all markets in the Bono East Region will be locked-down on the said date to prevent obstruction during the exercise.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Todays newspapers front pages

    Source: backend.theindependentghana.com

  • Ablakwa makes 10 substitute proposals to government instead of depleting heritage fund

    North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has made a 10-point suggestion to government on how to generate revenue amid the fight against the new coronavirus.

    These points, the legislator suggested in a post, if followed, would give the government the financial muscle instead of the administration falling on the heritage fund.

    Among others, Mr. Ablakwa suggested a 50 per cent pay cut for all political officeholders.

    He also suggested a 60 per cent cut in size of government, that is, Ministers and presidential staffers.

    If these and others are done, the outspoken MP says “the heritage fund will most likely be left intact for our children.”

    “May the generation that will come after us not be disappointed that we bequeathed them with virtually nothing because we refused to sacrifice and consider other patriotic options in this watershed period of history,” he added.

    Read his post below

    After listening to the Hon. Finance Minister in Parliament earlier today justify the need to use the heritage fund in the fight against COVID-19, I shall humbly submit that before the Akufo-Addo administration depletes the heritage fund reserved for the next generation, we first consider the following 10 suggestions:

    1) 50% pay cut for all political office holders;

    2) Reduce by 60% the number of Ministers and Presidential Staffers;

    3) Close and realign many of the Ministries which would become redundant after the ministerial downsizing;

    4) Lay off all Personal/Special Assistants to Ministers and Presidential Staffers;

    5) Suspend all Ex-Gratia payments;

    6) Interim closure of at least 50% of our diplomatic missions abroad and recall staff to Accra;

    7) Cancel contracts of all consultants in the public sector;

    8) Put a freeze on all prestige projects which can wait including the national cathedral, marine drive project, new passport office and the regional coordinating council offices for the six new regions;

    9) Suspend the phenomenon of free fuel for the category of public servants who benefit;

    10) Repeal all tax waivers granted in recent years for non-essential services and commodities with the view to abolishing the practice moving forward.

    If we muster the political will to do these, the heritage fund will most likely be left intact for our children.

    May the generation that will come after us not be disappointed that we bequeathed them with virtually nothing because we refused to sacrifice and consider other patriotic options in this watershed period of history.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • 28 courts in Accra and Kumasi designated for only lockdown-related cases

    The Chief Justice has directed all hearings within the partial lockdown areas to be adjourned to May and June 2020.

    This follows a directive by President Nana Akufo-Addo for citizens to stay indoors as part of measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

    This two-week directive is to be enforced by a joint police-military deployment across parts of Accra, Tema and Kumasi where significant cases of the infection have been recorded.

    The Imposition of Restriction Act, passed by Parliament slaps a 1,000 to 5,000 penalty-unit fine on those who flout the law which translates into a GHS12,000 or GHS60,000 respectively.

    This is an equivalent of up to 14 years imprisonment in default.

    A statement signed by Justice Aninn Yeboah on Thursday said the move was to also ensure that “the critical service rendered by this arm of government is made available during this period as exigencies of the situation demands.”

    “…Registrars are directed to adjourn all cases listed during this period to dates in May and June 2020,” the release read.

    The statement also indicated that 28 courts in Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi have been designated to deal solely with individuals who fail to comply with the partial lockdown protocols.

    The Chief Justice, however, added that the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal are also available to handle urgent cases within the same time frame.

    While some support staff have been requested to take their annual leave as part of measure to curb the spread of coronavirus, a specific category that will be required to assist in the designated courts.

    These include registrars, cashiers, court clerks, interpreters, recorders and bailiffs.

    The Chief Justice also wants administrative offices of the judiciary in the affected areas to be manned by skeletal staff determined by Heads of Departments to ensure that critical service are rendered during this period.”

    Ghana has recorded 152 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with four deaths and 2 recoveries so far.

    Source: Kenneth Awotwe Darko | Myjoyonline.com

  • AU Commission establishes continental Anti-COVID-19 Fund

    A communique issued and signed by the President of the AU, President Cyril Ramaphosa, a copy of which has been made available to the Daily Graphic, said a continental coordinated response was more important now than ever before in order to arrest the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    It said the spread of the COVID-19 had stretched public health systems beyond limits and caused an enormous global economic, social and humanitarian meltdown.

    Coordinating efforts

    The AU Centre of Disease Control (CDC) had recommended the setting up of the Anti-COVID-19 Fund following what it described as an anticipated shortage of medicines and vaccines as factories were closing down in many countries on the continent and others were retaining supplies for their own consumption.

    The CDC, headed by Dr John Nkengasong, the communique said, had told the Bureau of Heads of State that the rapid spread of the COVID-19 was an unprecedented public health disaster.

    The bureau, thus, underscored the vital importance of coordinating efforts to increase global production and improve the availability of medical products and equipment.

    Teleconference

    The teleconference meeting had the Malian President, Mr Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta of Kenya, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt participating.

    The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat, and Dr Nkengasong, also participated in the meeting.

    President Ramaphosa, in the communique, underscored the fact that poverty, poor sanitation, an existing disease burden, overstretched health systems and extreme urban population density on the continent meant that the pandemic could explode in an even more catastrophic way than had been seen thus far in Africa, hence the need for urgent action in order to stem the tide.

    “The AU, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and all health institutions should direct their efforts at stopping the spread of the virus,” President Ramaphosa stressed.

    Mobilisation

    The CDC, the communique noted, was severely under-funded, and thus called on African Union member states, the international community and philanthropic entities to contribute to the fund.

    “In this regard, member states of the bureau agreed to contribute an amount of $4.5 million towards boosting the capacity of the CDC,” the communique highlighted.

    It emphasised that given the limited health infrastructure in Africa and the reality that most of the pharmaceuticals and medical supplies consumed on the continent were imported, the bureau called on the international community to encourage open trade corridors, especially for pharmaceuticals and other health supplies.

    Debt waivers

    The bureau urged the G20 to immediately provide African countries with medical equipment, test kits and protective gear to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Additionally, the bureau, the communique pointed out, was urging the G20 countries to provide an effective economic stimulus package that included relief and deferred payments.

    The bureau has also called for the waiver of all interest payments on bilateral and multilateral debt, and the possible extension of the waiver to the medium term in order to provide immediate fiscal space and liquidity to governments.

    It also urged the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), African Development Bank (AfDB) and other regional institutions to use all the instruments available in their arsenal to help mitigate against the scourge and provide relief to vital sectors of African economies and communities.

    While commending the efforts of the Committee of African Health Ministers in rallying support to curb further spread, the bureau paid tribute to the courageous efforts of all medical and healthcare officials on the continent engaged in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “The bureau urges all citizens of Africa to abide by national measures implemented to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” the communique emphasised.

    Source: https://www.graphic.com.gh/

  • COVID 19: No new cases recorded in Ghana today

    The Ghana Health Service says it has not recorded any new case of  the COVID-19 in the country as of 8:30 am Monday March 30, 2020.

    According to the Service, 17 samples tested by the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR) turned negative.

    The samples were taken from the Upper East (3), North East (3) and Ashanti (11) regions respectively.

    “The Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research tested 17 samples from the Upper East (3), North East (3) and Ashanti (11) regions all of which were Negative. No new test results have been received from Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research since the last update”, it stated on the official website of the service.

    Ghana has so far recorded 152 with five death.

    An update by the Ghana Health Service said the 11 new cases, were recorded today (Sunday, March 29, 2020).

    Ten (10) of the new cases were among persons who were under mandatory quarantine in Tamale under the direction of the Regional Security Committee of the Northern Region.

    Situation Update, Confirmed COVID-19 Cases In Ghana As At 30 March 2020, 08:30hrs

    As of 30th March 2020, at 08:30 hrs, no new cases of COVID-19 have been reported since the last update at 11:00hrs on 29th March 2020.

    The Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research tested 17 samples from the Upper East (3), North East (3) and Ashanti (11) regions all of which were Negative. No new test results have been received from Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research since the last update.

    Total confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ghana stands at 152 with five deaths as of 30th March 2020 at 08:30HRS.

    Confirmed COVID-19 Cases and Treatment Outcomes, Ghana- 30 March 2020, 08:30HRS

    **All five (5) had underlying chronic medical conditions prior to COVID-19 infection

    * Recovered & Discharged: two (2) have recovered and discharged; whilst two others are awaiting laboratory results to inform decision on discharge.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Areas sealed in the Accra, Kumasi lockdown

    A 14-day restriction on movements in parts of the Greater Accra Region and Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region, as part of measures to control the spread of the coronavirus, comes into effect today.

    The lockdown affects areas are where significant numbers of virus infections have been recorded.

    According to the security services, there shall also be complete sealing of entries and exits into the affected areas.

    Affected areas in Accra are:

    Accra Winneba route with total sealing at Weija Toll Booth.

    Accra Akropong route with sealing of the Ayimensah Toll Booth.

    Accra Dodowa route with Mensah Bar at Oyibi to be sealed.

    Oyibi Appolonia Kubekrom- Ashaiman, Afienya New Jerusalem Appolonia route to be blocked at appropriate points.

    Tema Akosombo road to be blocked at Asutuare junction barrier with Tema- Aflao at Tsopoli barrier.

    That of Ashaiman Santow at Adjei Kojo while Ashaiman Appolonia at Appolonia.

    The Tema beach road will be sealed at the Sakumono level crossing.

    In the Ashanti Region, the Kumasi Tamale road is to be blocked at Kodie while the Kumasi Accra will not go beyond the Ejisu Toll Booth.

    The Kumasi- Mampong movement ends at the Manponteng Toll Booth.
    Kumasi Obuasi road will be blocked at Pakyi No. 2.

    The road linking Kumasi Sunyani will be blocked at Abuakwa Manhyia and that of Kumasi Bibiani at Sepase close to Abuakwa.

    Adankwame Asante Mampong, Juaben, Effiduase, Agona and alternate routes to be blocked at appropriate points.

    Within the Kasoa and its environs, the following routes will be blocked against movement.

    These routes are:
    Kasoa Amasaman road blocked at Adam Nana
    Kasoa Accra at Pink FM
    Kasoa Nyanyano road at Kakraba junction.

    Source: Abubakar Ibrahim | Myjoyonline.com

  • 16 persons arrested at Kasoa for defying lockdown

    Sixteen persons have been arrested in Kasoa in the Central Region for failing to give tangible reasons why they were in town during the Covid-19 partial lockdown.

    A total of 15 checkpoints have been mounted in the Awutu Senya Municipality to enforce the lockdown.

    The operation under the code name Operation Covid Safety is making sure all Ghanaians adhere to the directive for a partial lockdown.

    Some essential service providers have been exempted from the exercise, Food vendors, Financial institutions among others are allowed to go about their normal activities.

    Some Ghanaians who went through the checkpoints share their experiences with the media.

    “I hear no one should go out but someone also told me people are in the market and buying stuff so I decide to go out and buy some foodstuff. I have nothing in my house.”

    “When I was coming, the police asked me where I’m going and I told them I’m going home. They requested my ID and allowed me to go,” another resident added.

    Partial lockdown in Accra, Kasoa, Tema and Kumasi begins today

    The partial lockdown announced by President Akufo-Addo in Accra, Kasoa, Tema and Kumasi has begun today, March 30.

    There will be restrictions on the movement of persons in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA, which include Awutu Senya East and the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area and contiguous districts, for a period of two (2) weeks or 14 days subject to review.

    Residents in these affected areas are expected to stay at home but can come out for some essential services.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Mass checking of temperatures begin on Accra-Takoradi Highway

    City authorities have begun the mass checking of temperatures of travelers on the Accra-Takoradi Highway.

    This follows the high number of people trooping into the Western Region after President Akufo-Addo announced a lockdown of Accra and Kumasi.

    The move according to government has become necessary due to the numbers migrating to the Western Region.

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said this move is very necessary as it will help to stop the virus from travelling to other parts of Ghana.

    “There are reports of challenges associated with entering the Western Region because there are things being done to help prevent the virus from traveling to other parts”.

    The partial lockdown announced by President Akufo-Addo in Accra, Kasoa, Tema and Kumasi has begun today, March 30.

    There will be restrictions on the movement of persons in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA, which include Awutu Senya East and the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area and contiguous districts, for a period of two (2) weeks or 14 days subject to review.

    Residents in these affected areas are expected to stay at home but can come out for some essential services.

    The essential services include buying food, water, medicine, undertake banking transactions, or to use public toilet facilities.

    The partial lockdown will be enforced by the joint security task force under the code name Operation Covid Safety.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Coronavirus: John Mahama donates PPEs to Ridge Hospital health workers

    Former President John Dramani Mahama on Sunday presented one hundred sets of personal protective equipments (PPE) to health workers at the Greater Accra Regional (Ridge) Hospital in Accra.

    The presentation, according to Mr. Mahama, follows reports of shortage of PPE and other materials required by the frontline medical personnel at the hospital in their fight against the Coronavirus.

    The Ridge Hospital has become, virtually, the main facility that is helping with the management of the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Mahama who is also the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) expressed the hope that the items presented will help in protecting the staff of the hospital as they go about their work.

    “We all, Ghana, appreciates the work you are doing. You are the frontline defence of the population against the disease and we must all support you to be able to protect us”.

    The items presented include 100 full sets of PPE, 100 gum boots, 120 doctors scrubs, 50 patients gowns, 30 theatre gowns and 400 packs of bottled drinking water.

    Medical Director in charge of the Ridge Hospital, Dr. Emmanuel Srofenyoh, in thanking the former President and the NDC, noted that the items presented “are really the things that we have been lacking, particularly the PPE, surgical face masks, coveralls, and the items that are really needed”.

    “The other day I was describing a situation that when the staff want to gown and attend to a patient, it takes up to about 20 to 30 minutes to complete the gowning. And the items that are used after one usage, you have to discard all of them, and come in for a fresh one. It is for this reason that the demand is so high”.

    President Mahama was accompanied by the National Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, the Chair of the NDC COVID-19 Technical Team, Prosper Bani and the MP for Klottey Korle Dr. Zanetor Agemang-Rawlings.

    Source: johnmahama.org

  • Coronavirus: Stay away from runaway travellers entering your region Govt advises

    Residents of regions that are not part of the lockdown over the novel Coronavirus have been advised to keep their distance from persons who have moved to those regions.

    Following an announcement of a lockdown in Accra, Kumasi, Tema and Obuasi effective today, Monday March 30, 2020, there has been a mass movement of residents from the affected regions to other regions especially to the northern part of the country.

    The development has sparked some wide apprehension and disapproval from residents of regions not affected by the lockdown.

    Government is however calling for a strict observation of social distance from the returnees.

    Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said at a press briefing on Sunday: “We are also asking residents of the other regions to respect the social distancing and preventing etiquette generally but also especially when engaging persons who have rushed into other regions ahead of these restrictions. Any such persons who have come into your regions, we encourage you to also advise that they keep in touch with the local health authorities and report if they do have any symptoms so that immediate attention is taken [But] at the same time observe social distancing and preventive etiquette that we have been speaking about.”

    Mr. Oppong Nkrumah assured that contact tracing arrangements have been put in place to contain any issues that may arise out of the mass movement to other regions.

    “There are teams of police, military and health in the other regions that will be assisting us with contact tracing and testing. So contact tracing and testing is not just limited to Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi” he said.

    Meanwhile, Ghana Health Alert, a civil society organisation has called on government to take pragmatic measures to avert a looming danger of spread of the Coronavirus as a result of the panic travels to other regions.

    “The GHA is concerned that without any medical screening whatsoever, these returning ‘Kayayie and Paa o paa’ workers have the greatest potential of carrying the Coronavirus to their rural hometowns in the Northern and Upper Regions of Ghana. In this regard, GHA calls on the government to ensure that all are properly screened in their originating locations and quarantined at their destination locations for the required 14 days and retested before they are cleared to join their helpless families and communities,” a statement signed by Executive Secretary Dr. Vida Yakong said.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Indisciplined traders incur military wrath in Kumasi

    Residents in the Kumasi Metropolis and its environs will remember Friday, March 27 2020, as a day on which indiscipline attitudes were met with radical responses from personnel of the Ghana Army during the turn of the metropolis for disinfection of markets there in the wake of the spread of the coronavirus disease to the country.

    Traders and others were taught bitter lessons in the national exercise put together by the Local Government Ministry in collaboration with the Ashanti Regionla Coordinating Council, with suppprt from Zoomlion Ghana Limited for acts that tended to undermine it.

    In the Asewase Constituency of the Asokore-Mampong Municipal Assembly, for example, some traders at Aboabo number 1 and 2 market zones showed gross indiscipline by refusing to close their shops to make it possible for the sanitation team to disinfect the markets and the soldiers descended on such recalcitrant traders to close the shops.

    While the soldiers were doing their work, some traders at the two markets attempted to take videos or pictures of the scenes and such people had their mobile phones seized and destroyed.

    Squatters on the run

    Also, the military personnel chased squatters out of Bantama and the Race-Course markets to make way for the exercise.

    It again had to take the efforts of the military to chase out squatters who live in some other markets in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi, for the exercise to be carried out smoothly.

    All streets in the central business district and the Bantama high streets were completely deserted.

    At the Bantama and Central Markets, the squatters were still asleep at the time the fumigation team arrived to carry out the operation.

    The team would have had it tough but for the intervention of the heavily armed military personnel supporting the exercise.

    230 Markets

    The Ashanti Regional Minister, speaking to journalists Mr Simon Osei Mensah before the exercise started, said about 230 markets have been identified to be sprayed in the region.

    He said 22 markets in the Kumasi metropolis would benefit from the exercise.

    The Miniater said market places were areas where people converged in their numbers to transact various forms of businesses, therefore, the need to disinfect those areas to reduce the risk of people getting infected with the disease.

    Zoomlion

    The Communications Director of the Zoomlion, Emma Akyea-Boakye, said even though the disinfection was not to help stop the spread of coronavirus disease, otherwise known as Covid 19, it will equally kill bacteria and other germs in the markets.

    She expressed satisfaction with the professional manner in which the exercise was carried out.

    As at 7 am on Friday morning when the DAILY HERITAGE visited some of the market centres in Kumasi, workers of Zoomlion draped in their protective clothes, were seeing spraying the markets with the police and military officers providing security.

    Various lorry stations within the markets and lanes and streets in the vicinity were sprayed.

    Most shops and stores in the markets had been closed ahead of the exercise and indications were that the markets would not be opened for trading activities today.

    Some of the traders the paper interacted with commended the government for the initiative and said it would not only help prevent to the spread of the Coronavirus, but other infections caused by rodents and insanitary conditions in the markets.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

     

  • Coronavirus Lockdown: NDC halts all in-studio discussions

    The National Communications Officer of the opposition, National Democratic Congress(NDC), Sammy Gyamfi has announced that the party has suspended all in-studio discussions in lockdown areas.

    The government has imposed a partial lockdown on some areas in the country including Greater Kumasi, Accra, and Tema.

    Although there is a partial lockdown, essential service providers have been exempted considering the fact that their work plays a direct role in the help to contain the virus and also keep the country alive.

    According to him, the virus spread when people move so a key role to help stop the spread of the virus is by not moving hence the reason to halt all in-studio discussions in areas where a lockdown has been declared.

    Source: mynewsgh.com