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Tag: coronavirus in Ghana

  • 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

  • Government begins processes to expand coronavirus testing centers

    Government has begun processes to expand the number of COVID-19 testing centres in the country.

    The move according to the government will facilitate speedy testing of COVID-19 contacts that have been traced so far.

    The two existing facilities, Noguchi Memorial Institute and Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research are the only testing centres currently

    Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah in a radio interview said processes are underway with the supervision of Noguchi to expand the testing centres.

    “What we have to do is bring on board other labs that have similar facilities mostly used for tuberculosis and other respiratory issues, and I am informed that there is a third lab that is currently able to process which has been added. Then the number of them across the country……… there are a number of labs with the PCR machines that can be used and there are going through the process with the supervision of Noguchi to calibrate the machines so the can assist us…… ”

    Bishop Titi-Ofei rescinds decision to offer his facility as COVID-19 isolation centre

    Bishop Titi-Ofei has rescinded his decision to allow his facility to be used as an isolation Centre for COVID-19 patients.

    This was after some residents in Tema Community 18 protested his decision to offer the facility as COVID-19 isolation centre.

    They argued that this decision was not the best as it poses a threat to the rest of the community folks.

    They asked him to rescind his decision or they were going to use legal means to stop him.

     

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Royal Senchi temporarily closes its doors amid coronavirus outbreak

    The Royal Senchi Hotel has temporarily closed its doors to the public as a measure to prevent a spread of coronavirus and to protect its staff and guests.

    After much deliberation with consultants and experts, the hotel will be closed down from April 1, to June 30, 2020.

    For any inquiries, contact management of the hotel via email; info@theroyalsenchi.com or through their social media channels; @theroyalsenchi.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • Bishop Titi-Ofei withdraws building offer for coronavirus isolation centre

    The leader of the Titi-Ofei Ministries, Bishop Gideon Titi-Ofei has withdrawn his offer of a 100-bed capacity to be used as an isolation centre for Covid-19 patients.

    This follows protests by neighbours to the facility in Tema-West who say they were not consulted on the decision.

    The residents expressed concern that the disease being fought is highly contagious and using the facility which is not isolated an isolation centre could expose residents to the dreaded pandemic.

    Reacting to the developments, Bishop Titi-Ofei, in a statement said he would look at other options of helping fight the new coronavirus.

    “I wish to assure my cherished neighbours that the offer was done in good faith. However in the spirit of good neighborliness I have decided to offer other forms of assistance in the fight against Covid-19,” he wrote.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • New ‘Coronavirus’ budget: ‘We’re pushing for reliefs, postponements’ Ofori-Atta

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has said the government is relooking at all the fundamental assumptions it made for the 2020 budget and come out with a new one in July this year in view of the economic havoc being caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

    He told Accra-based Citi TV in an interview that: “It is a time of sacrifice and understanding. Sometimes, I wonder if people have divorced themselves from the reality that this could lead to some serious debt. We will be uncomfortable running a system with a lot of inefficiencies but ours is to find ways of mitigating that. A lot of things come to play depending on the severity we are going to experience. But one has to keep the eye on the ball to make sure we do not derail all that we are doing.”

    He revealed that “a number of meetings we have had with the Finance Ministers in Africa are aimed at trying to reposition this whole global architecture to see if this is the most fit-for-purpose architecture. We are pushing for reliefs; we are pushing for postponement and that will allow us to make fiscal pace for us in order not to wipe out of the season”.

    “Fortunately,”, he noted, “We are beginning to build a consensus globally, as to how to manage this. We are just going to have to relook all the fundamental assumptions for the budget and signal to Parliament that come July, we should come with some more information and analysis so that we address the base”.

    A few days ago, Mr Ofori-Atta told Parliament that the total estimated fiscal impact, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, is GHS9.5 billion (2.5% of revised GDP).

    This is from the shortfall in petroleum receipts, shortfall in import duties, shortfall in other tax revenues, the cost of the preparedness plan, and the cost of Coronavirus Alleviation Programme.

    A recalibration of the 2020 Fiscal Framework underpinning the approved 2020 Budget to reflect the fiscal impact of the coronavirus, without incorporating measures, shows that the overall fiscal deficit will increase from the programmed GHS18.9 billion (4.7% of GDP) to GHS30.2 billion (7.8% of revised GDP).

    Also, the primary balance will correspondingly worsen from a surplus of GH?2.811 billion (0.7% of GDP) to a deficit of GHS5.6 billion (1.4% of GDP).

    According to Finance Minister, measures are, therefore, required to close the fiscal gap of GHS11.4 billion (2.9% of revised GDP).

    “Since we are faced with extraordinary circumstances which require extraordinary measures, we would like to propose the following measures for the consideration and support of the House”, Mr. Ofori-Atta revealed.

    The measures include to lower the cap on the Ghana Stabilisation Fund (GSF) from the current US$300 million to US$100 million in accordance with Section 23 (3) of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA).

    This measure, he believes, will enable the excess amount in the GSF account over the US$100 million cap to be transferred into the Contingency Fund, consistent with Section 23 (4) of the PRMA.

    The amount transferred into the Contingency Fund will be used to fund the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP). Through this process, an estimated GHS1.250 billion will be transferred into the Contingency Fund to Fund the CAP.

    Others are an arrangement with the Bank of Ghana to defer interest payments on non-marketable instruments estimated at GHS1.22 billion to 2022 and beyond, as well as adjust expenditures on Goods & Services and Capex downwards by GHS1.248 billion, secure the World Bank DPO of GHS1.71 million and obtain the IMF Rapid Credit Facility of GHS3.145 billion.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Lockdown: IGP wants police officer who assaulted woman probed

    The Inspector-General of Police James Oppong-Boanuh has issued a directive asking the Accra Regional Police Command to probe into the case of an elderly woman alleged to have been assaulted by a policeman on Wednesday.

    The IGP wants the woman to be traced and listened to for evidence gathering and the offending officer identified.

    A video which has gone viral saw a woman whose name has been given as Madam Florence in which she is given two strokes of cane without a just cause.

    Reacting to the video, the Police PRO, Supt. Mrs. Sheila Abayie-Buckman, said “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.”

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

     

    Source: rainbowradioonline.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

  • 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

  • Coronavirus: 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 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: Givers Company Ltd donates to 37 Military Hospital

    Givers Industries, producers of Givers Ice (bottled water), Givers Koo Capsules and Givers Herbal Mixture has donated some items to the 37 Military Hospital as part of efforts to help fight the coronavirus.

    Some of the items donated were Givers Multipurpose Cleaner, Givers Liquid Detergent, and Givers Antiseptics which are also produced by the company.

    The rest of the items were sanitizers, toilet rolls, tissue papers, boxes of Givers Herbal mixture, packs of Giver Ice bottled water and Veronica Buckets.

    The donation was upon a request made by Sokoohemaa Foundation led by Radio Host Sokoohemaa Kukua.

    Managing Director of the Company, Mr. Kofi Kakari presenting the items to management, of the hospital, said, it was part of efforts by the company to support the fight against the virus.

    He said the items would go a long way to help the facility.

    Mr. Kakari indicated that the fight against the virus is a collective one and asked corporate bodies to support the fight.

    He said they were encouraged to support the fight to ensure Ghanaians are safe.

    He also asked the general public to adhere to the safety protocols put in place towards the fight.

    Sokoohemaa on her part said the request was based on the fact that the hospital needed the items to support their efforts.

    According to her, the facility is usually forgotten when it comes to donations and support from corporate bodies hence her request for the facility to be supported.

    She expressed gratitude to the company for the support.

    Commanding Officer of the Hospital, Co. A.G Bugri expressed gratitude to the company for their kind gesture.

    He admonished Ghanaians to strictly adhere to the safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

    source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Quarantined Tamale Hospital staff test negative for Covid-19

    Some quarantined staff of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) who came into contact with 10 Covid-19 patients in Tamale have tested negative.

    Public Relations officer of the TTH Mohammed Misbau who confirmed this to Joy News said they heaved a sigh of relief when they received the result yesterday.

    Some 40 persons, including health workers at the Hospital, were quarantined after coming into contact with 10 Guinean Covid-19 patients in the Northern Regional capital.

    Police officers who moved the foreigners from their hotel to the Hospital have also been identified and will be quarantined.

    On Sunday, the Ghana Health Service confirmed 11 more cases of Covid-19 in the country.

    Out of the 11 cases, 10 were Guinean citizens who had entered Tamale through Burkina Faso and Togo.

    But unlike, the health workers who now know their status, the police officers who first came into contact with the patients are yet to be tested.

    Speaking from their hotel room in Tamale one of the officers told Joy News their samples are yet to be taken and that is a worry to them.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • COVID-19: Well manage with half salaries for 3 months – Eugene Arhin

    Director of Communications at the Presidency Eugene Arhin has revealed that presidential staffers and Deputy Minister who have committed 50% of their salaries to the fight against the deadly coronavirus will manage the remainder.

    “We will cope, I believe at the end of the day we need to extort a greater course so whatever be the case. As I said nobody was forced to donate to this particular fund, we all did it voluntarily. We believe we just have to manage for the next three months to sail through once we did it voluntarily”, he revealed in response to how they will cope with half their salaries in an interview monitored by MyNewsGH.com.

    All Ministers of State, the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, the Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Deputy Ministers, Secretary to the President, Secretary to the Cabinet, other Senior Presidential Staffers and Presidential Aides at the Presidency on Monday decided to cut out fifty percent (50%) of their salaries for April, May and June to be paid into the COVID-19 National Trust Fund, a fund established by the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for the fight against the Corona virus.

    The fund is also meant to assist in the welfare of the needy and the vulnerable.

    Reacting to fears some persons may use shortcuts to recoup the donated cash, Mr Eugene Arhin disagreed stating “I can assure you and mark my words that nothing like that is going to happen.”

     

    Source: mynewsgh.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

  • Coronavirus is no respecter of persons Ho MP

    Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency, in the Volta Region, Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah has reminded people of the constituency that COVID-19 is no respecter of social status and called on the people to support the fight to stop the spread of the virus.

    The Ho West MP made the call at a meeting with the Ho West District Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the Ho West District Police Commander and some Assembly Members to present some items to the constituency as part of measures to support the fight against COVID-19 on Wednesday, 1 April 2020.

    The items comprising Veronica buckets, hand sanitisers, liquid soap, bleach, laser thermometers and PPEs to the constituency were presented to all Clinics/Healthcare Centres, Police Stations, Markets, Taxi Stations, Motorcycle (Okada) Stations among other public places located within the Ho West Constituency.

    Ghana has so far recorded 195 cases of the deadly virus, 5 deaths and 3 recoveries.

    Government as part of efforts to prevent further spread of the virus has restricted movement in parts of the country.

    Movement in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions and Kasoa have been restricted for 14 days.

     

    Source: ClassFMOnline.com

  • 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

  • ADB commits GH¢1m to Coronavirus fight

    The Managing Director of Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), Dr. John Kofi Mensah has announced a GH¢1 million package to support the governments fight against the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

    The decision according to Dr. John Kofi Mensah was taken at a Board Meeting last week and is to be used in purchasing Personal Protective Equipment like Hand gloves, Face Masks, Hand Sanitizers and other disinfectants to be distributed to Research Institutions, Farmer Based Organizations, the Ghana Police Service and identified Regional Hospitals nationwide.

    The Managing Director said the Bank is to donate an amount of GH¢200,000 to the COVID-19 Fund as announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    “Our major focus will be on health institutions in mainly the peri-urban and rural areas, our customers and also our hardworking Farmers and Traders who are equally vulnerable to attack due to the nature of their work,” he said.

    With farmers being some of the most vulnerable in society, the Bank believes any support to these farmers and other agribusinesses is a major step in the fight against the virus and would significantly cushion such a critical sector of the economy.

    According to the Managing Director, the Bank will from this week ensure that the items reach the beneficiaries.

    He said the Bank has put in place measures to ensure all health protocols as outlined by Health Authorities are adhered to ensure no staff is infected with the various.

    “Currently we have drastically reduced our workforce by about 45 percent, all our branches have been mandated to buy hand sanitizers for their personal and customer use and also we are observing the social distancing protocol at all our meetings and daily interactions,” he said.

    Already the Bank has aligned with the Ghana Bankers Association to contribute a total of GH¢10 million as the sectors contribution to the pandemic.

    In addition to that we have also waived all interbank transfer fees on our digital platforms and mobile wallet transaction fees for transactions below GH¢100.

    We urge our Customers to continue utilizing our numerous digital platforms like the ADB Mobile App, *767#, POS Terminals, Visa Prepaid Cards etc.

    Dr. Kofi Mensah advised Ghanaians to follow the health protocols as outlined including, frequent washing of hands with soap under running water, use of alcohol based hand sanitizers, properly disposing of tissues after use and also ensuring the social distancing protocol.

    Source: goldstreetbuiness.com

  • 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: Mother, two sons in quarantine in Bongo

    Three persons, a mother and her two sons have been quarantined in Bongo in the Upper East Region on suspicion that they might be infected with the coronavirus after one showed symptoms of the disease.

    This brings the number of persons in mandatory quarantine in the district to five.

    Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr Peter Ayamga Ayinbisa, the District Chief Executive for the area disclosed that one of the sons had returned from the Ashanti Region a few days ago and was ill.

    He said he was taken to the Bongo District Hospital by his mother and brother, who had also returned to the District on March 12, 2020 from abroad.

    When the three were screened, the health professionals realized that the temperature of the young man was high and he had difficulty in breathing.

    The situation therefore prompted the COVID-19 team to quarantine the three while their samples were taken for testing.

    The DCE urged the people not to panic as the situation was under control and encouraged them to continue adhering to the precautionary protocols to keep themselves safe from the infectious virus.

     

    Source: 3news.com

  • Coronavirus spreads to 5 regions

    The deadly coronavirus disease has spread to five regions as Easter region records its first confirmed case.

    According to the Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman Manu Eastern region is the latest region to join the league of region with confirmed cases of Covid-19.
    Announcing the latest confirmed cases at a press briefing Accra the minister said as this morning the country has recorded 195 cases.

    Giving the breakdown, he said, the Greater Accra Region has recorded 174 of the confirmed cases, 10 in the Northern Region, Ashanti Region has nine cases, while Upper West and Eastern Regions had one each.

    He said a total of 4,560 tests for the virus had been conducted of which 195 people tested positive for Covid-19.

    He said out of the 195 confirmed cases, 38 patients have so far been discharged; as test run on them proved negative; however, they were currently under self-quarantine.

    Mr Agyeman-Manu said the death toll stands at five and total recoveries remain three.

    The two research centers in the country namely: Noguchie Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research (KCCR) have so far conducted a total of 4,560 tests for COVID-19 in the country.

    Dr Badu Sarkodie, the Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), in a breakdown, said out of the total tests conducted in the country, 4,225 were from NMIMR while the remaining 335 came from KCCR.
    Government in a bid to curtail the spread of the virus has imposed a two-week restriction on the movement of persons in some 40 localities in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions.

    They comprise 26 areas in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), which includes Awutu Senya East, a municipality in the Central Region and 14 in the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area and adjoining districts.

     

    Source: DailyGuideNework.com

  • Government courts support of herbalists to fight coronavirus

    The Ministry of Health (MoH) after a series of deliberations says it has thrown a challenge to all herbal medicine practitioners across the country to develop medications which can prove to be helpful in the fight against coronavirus.

    Already the Ministry of Health has given an executive clearance to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to allow the importation of active ingredients for the manufacturing of hydroxychloroquine to augment the stock within the country for the use of pharmaceutical companies.

    However, Deputy Health Minister, Alexander Kodjo Kom Abban says traditional and herbal medicine producers have also been engaged on COVID-19 in a bid to solicit their efforts and to explore the potentials of the orthodox practitioners in the fight against the pandemic.

    Speaking to Blessed Sogah on ‘State of Affairs’ a news analysis programme on Class91.3FM Mr Aban said: “The traditional Medicine practitioners in Ghana, they were here in their numbers at the ministry, we have had discussions with them and the challenge has been had thrown to them if any can bring a solution to it, those in allopathic practice and those in traditional medicine practice.”

    According to Mr Abban, the challenge has begun yielding positive results as some local herbal medicine manufacturers have produced hand sanitisers in large quantities for the use of the general public.

     

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Mpraeso caucus donates PPEs to Kwahu South District Assembly

    The Mpraeso Caucus, made up of indigenes of Kwahu Mpraeso have donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the Kwahu South District Assembly in the Eastern Region to help fight against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

    The items include Veronica buckets, hand sanitizers, tissues, gloves, liquid soaps, nose masks, waste bins and bowls.

    Presenting the items on behalf of the Caucus, Nana Abrah Appiah, the Chairman of the Association who doubles as the Krontihene of Kwahu Mpraeso, said the gesture was to ensure that citizens in the Mpraeso area adopt frequent washing of hands with soap under running water to help avoid the spread of the coronavirus menace in the community.

    He said the Association appreciates the initiative that the government had proposed to help minimize the fast spreading of the coronavirus in the country, hence the donation.

    Nana Appiah said the group has taken it upon itself to provide more of the PPEs to help avoid the spread of the disease to the Kwahu area.

    Nana Appiah said, the items would be positioned at vantage points such as the Mpraeso palace, central market, lorry parks, police station, the Zongo palace, fire station and the Magistrate Court among others.

    He said the Caucus was established four years ago and had achieved remarkable successes in supporting education and promoting sporting activities in schools across the District.

    He said the Association had distributed teaching and learning material (TLMs) to schools in the area, organised debates and quizzes for students, providing incentives to hardworking teachers and supporting brilliant but needy students in the area.

    Nana Appiah urged the citizens to be responsible for the maintenance of the items to ensure its optimum usage.

    He, therefore, entreated the people to abide by the government’s initiative by avoiding handshaking, hugging, maintaining social distance and avoidance of social gathering in the communities to avoid the spread of the disease.

    Receiving the items on behalf of the Kwahu South District Assembly, Mr Emmanuel Atta Ofori, the District Chief Executive, applauded the Caucus for the gesture and said the items would go a long way to complement the government’s efforts in fighting against the disease.

    He said the Assembly had already taken steps to provide PPEs to 26 electoral areas in the District and therefore promised to distribute the items provided for the safety of the citizens.

    Source: GNA

  • Tobinco CEO urges FDA to exercise strict measures on bottling of sanitizers

    Dr Samuel Amo Tobbin, the Chief Executive Officer of the Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited (TPL), has called on the Food and Drugs Authority to as a matter of urgency, exercise strict measures on the bottling of hand sanitizers.

    Although local manufacturers have been encouraged to produce hand sanitizers amid its shortage on the Ghanaian market following the recording of confirmed cases of COVID-19, he said, how some of them bottled the sanitizers was worrying and could serve as a threat to lives.

    “A lot of them in the markets are bottled like how drinks are usually bottled, so if a hand sanitizer, especially the water-like ones are poured into these bottles, a child could mistake it for a drink and this could cause a big problem,” he said.

    Speaking about the increment of prices of hand sanitizers, he said, even as the ingredients used for making it has become expensive as a result of their scarcity, manufacturers and retailers had to consider the unfortunate situation at hand and reduce the prices in order to protect the public.

    He made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

    Dr Tobbin said TPL tried to import hydroxyl chloroquine drugs from India, however, the drug which sold at $18 per kilo, was now selling at $ 1,050 dollars per kilo.

    Meanwhile, the Indian government has warned companies against exporting them from India.

    He believed this proved how valuable the drug was in addition to others as proposed by the World Health Organization in the fight against the pandemic, adding that, he was optimistic the world would soon find a remedy to the global canker.

    The Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited earlier donated ¢251,000.00 worth of immune boosting drugs like Tobcee Vitamin C tablets, Zinvite Capsules, Glutamine Plus tablets, veronica buckets, hand sanitizers, nose masks, and disposable gloves to the Ministry of Health in the fight against COVID-19.

    Dr Tobbin said the gesture was to give back to society what the company had gained from them.

    “The Tobinco Group has reached this state due to the contribution of the public. So when the same people are encountering a crisis, it is necessary to give back to them,” he said.

    The company, he said, would also distribute similar products to traditional rulers at remote areas and district capitals, he said.

    He said with the exception of encouraging people to practice personal hygiene, COVID-19 has caused a great damage to every sector of the economy.

    source: GNA

  • Coronavirus has resurrected Mahamas abandoned health projects Omane Boamah

    Former Communications Minister under the Mahama-led administration has expressed ecstasy at the fact that the coronavirus has caused the current government to use health facilities provided for the country by John Mahama.

    The NPP government since coming to power have been under pressure to make use of all the health facilities provided for the country by the former administration.

    These calls have over the years not yielded results for reasons best known to the people in power.

    However, with the coronavirus pandemic, some of these facilities which were taking forever to be completed and some used by the country is ready in this period.

    Speaking on the development in a post shared on social media he was happy that the virus has caused the needed change.

    “Coronavirus has provoked the conscience of those who neglected these health projects. May they strive to do better going forward. And may we improve on our health system and make it resilient to serve the needs of all Ghanaians”, he said.

    Read his full statement here:

    Finally, COVID-19 has caused the use of the Bank Hospital. As for telling Ghanaians everyone is a VIP, the response can be found on the streets and at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

    On the streets, VIPs use sirens and at KIA, VIPs and VVIPs travel through their designated segments. Government must respect the intelligence of Ghanaians, simple.

    Furthermore, if all “Ghanaians were VIPs” then why make that distinction in the first place?

    Why waste the bank hospital for years?

    Why waste the University of Ghana Medical Centre until citizens began agitating?

    Why leave several hospital projects to rot across the country just because of partisan politics?

    Coronavirus has provoked the conscience of those who neglected these health projects. May they strive to do better going forward. And may we improve on our health system and make it resilient to serve the needs of all Ghanaians.

    God Bless You.

    God Bless Our Homeland Ghana.

     

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Be courageous and don’t despair, we shall overcome coronavirus – Boakye Agyarko

    Former Energy Minister, Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko has urged Ghanaians to be courageous in the fight against the outbreak of COVID-19.

    In an audio broadcast from his Odumase Krobo residence, Hon. Boakye Agyarko recounted the impact of the Spanish Flu in 1918 that plagued the country killing over 100,000 out of a population of 2 million.

    He was optimistic that Ghana shall overcome the current affliction with courage as was exhibited 100 years ago.

    He called on the citizenry to support and rally behind His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as he leads the fight against the common enemy terrorizing the nation and countries all over the world.

    Hon. Boakye Agyarko advised Ghanaians to adhere to the laid-down protocols and most importantly reduce their movements by staying at home.

    He charged Ghanaians not to fear but be ready to fight head-on.

    source: peacefmonline.com

  • Lockdown: Lets do more to help the poor Mahama

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to extend a hand of generosity and philanthropy to the less-privileged in society who are the hardest-hit by the two-week partial lockdown of some parts of Accra, Kumasi, Tema and Kasoa, as part of moves to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus.

    In a write-up on Facebook on Wednesday, the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress said: “As we have all noticed, COVID-19 does not discriminate between the rich and the poor. Every one of us is at risk. During this period, however, the poor are suffering disproportionately from the effects of social distancing and the lockdown. We need to do more, as a people, to alleviate the suffering of this disadvantaged and vulnerable group.

    “I acknowledge and also commend the contributions of the many who are helping to mitigate the plight of fellow citizens during these times by making donations to health facilities and also to the poor and vulnerable. I wish to commend, especially, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament, our parliamentary candidates and other executive members for responding positively to my call to step out and show compassion and charity to their constituents during this bleak period in our history.

    “I have, particularly noted a video of PC Lawyer Francis-Xavier Sosu who is seen personally, serving some homeless residents of Madina with bread and porridge (koko). I want to encourage us all, and all other MPs and Candidates to show compassion and fellow-feeling to our people at this time.

    “Despite the shortage of essential medical supplies, we are managing to procure some PPE and other supplies, which we shall shortly commence distribution to the Tamale Teaching Hospital and other Regional facilities currently known to have registered cases of COVID-19.

    “I urge all to do more. As the Medical Director at the Ridge Hospital (GARH) said to me when I presented PPEs and other items to them on Sunday, “like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. Please let us all do more!” the former president encouraged.

    The 14-day partial lockdown was announced by President Nana Akufo-Addo last week Friday under the Imposition of Restrictions Act 1012 of 2020. It came into effect on Monday.

    Mr Mahama said: “Following this announcement, we have encouraged citizens to abide by the directives to stay at home as much as possible in order to slow the spread of the virus and give the relevant authorities enough space and time to mount a robust response to the pandemic.

    “We have noted some excesses involving brutalisation of the civilian population by some service personnel and I urge the various Service Commanders to urgently brief the men to be firm but fair in the execution of the directives.

    “My advice to all my fellow citizens, whether your area is affected by the restrictions or not, is to please #StayHome as far as practicable. This will help you to avoid getting infected and also prevent you from infecting others if you have the disease. Also, let us continue to regularly wash our hands with soap and under running water”, he noted.

     

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Government disinfects North East Region markets

    Some major markets in the North East Region have been disinfected to keep them clean as part of efforts to prevent diseases.

    This was in line with the Emergency National Disinfection Exercise against COVID-19 being championed by the government since the emergence of the disease in the country early last month.

    The Nalerigu, Gambaga, Lingbinsi and Walewale Markets were amongst those disinfected in the Region.

    Mr Solomon Namlit Boar, North East Regional Minister, who joined a team of personnel to undertake the exercise in the Nalerigu and Gambaga Markets, was hopeful that it would help keep the markets safe from the disease amongst other infections.

    Mr Boar said residents had been sensitised on the COVID-19 and advised to adhere to all the precautionary measures to help suppress the peak of the disease in the country.

    He assured residents that the security agencies especially the Ghana Immigration Service stationed along the Ghana-Togo borders in the Region were on high alert to prevent movement to and fro the Region.

    source: GNA

  • Tumu Kouro holds meeting with sub chiefs over coronavirus

    Kuoro Richard Babini Kanton IV, the Paramount Chief of the Tumu Traditional Area in the Sissala East Municipality, has held a meeting with chiefs of all the tribes in Tumu over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) menace in the country.

    The meeting centered on the fact that the Upper West Region has recorded a case with contact tracing initiated by the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

    It was also on how the chiefs and the GHS could best support in the fight against the novel disease from infecting residents in the Sissala community.

    Kuoro Kanton IV who is also a member of the Council of State, urged the chiefs to ensure that all visitors coming to their communities were well interrogated before they were allowed to settle down.

    “Anytime there is a new visitor in town either a Moshi, a Kasena, or even a Zabarima person, a Fulani, or a Dagaba descendant, such a person should first have to visit either one of you before thinking of settling down in Tumu,” he said.

    “Whether we like it or not, the disease is with us, it is already in Wa and Tamale, so we must do what is possible to ensure it does not enter our territories,” he stressed.

    Kuoro Kanton IV advised the tribe chiefs to provide accommodation for new entrants into the community for up to 14 days to ensure the visitors were free from the disease before integration.

    The Tumu Kuoro noted that the washing of hands with soap would go a long way to stop the spread of the disease.

    “I will also encourage all of you, to provide veronica buckets, soap and liquid at your various homes, for visitors and people around to frequently wash their hands,” he said.

    Source: GNA

  • Government has no justification to use Heritage Fund to fight coronavirus – Dr Manteaw

    The Chairman of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), Dr Steve Manteaw says the government has no justification to use the Heritage Fund for the COVID-19 fight.

    There has been a proposal from the government to use part of the Heritage Fund to finance the fight against the coronavirus disease in the country.

    Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta on March 30, 2020, proposed the amendment of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act to allow the government to utilize portions of the Heritage Fund

    This proposal has been shot down by the Minority already as they believe it is not yet time for the government to touch the Fund.

    Dr Manteaw has joined the Minority calls and other civil society organizations who believe the government can find other ways of generating funds to fight COVID-19 and using the Heritage fund is not the best option now.

    “There is no justification to touch the Heritage fund now, I believe we can do without touching the Heritage fund. The situation we find ourselves in is what the President describes as we are not in normal times, so that calls for cost-cutting measures. We have seen some attempts from the government but that is not enough, let’s cut government bureaucracy further and all major infrastructure projects can wait”.

    The Heritage Fund is a creation of section 10 of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act 815 enacted in 2011.

    The purpose of the establishment of this fund is to provide an endowment to support the development of future generations when the petroleum reserves have depleted, according to Act 815 (2011) and amended Act 893 (2015).

    The fund receives a percentage of oil revenue accrued to the Petroleum Holding Fund.

    In view of this Parliament of Ghana pegged this figure at 9%. This means that out of the total oil revenue received into the Petroleum Holding Fund, the Heritage Fund receives only 9%.

    source; primenewsghana.com

  • STMA/EKMA gear up to combat coronavirus

    The Management of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) and Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) have introduced new measures in the public transport sector to observe the social distancing protocol to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The two assemblies reached the decision after careful deliberation with the various transport unions and market associations within their operational areas.

    After the meeting, it was agreed that Taxis and urban buses that took three passengers on a row shall now take at most two passengers on a row with one passenger in the front seat with immediate effect.

    Other commercial vehicles taking four or five passengers on a row shall take not more than three passengers on a row.

    Mr. John Laste, the Metropolitan Public Relations Officer in a statement copied the Ghana News Agency said there would however be no changes in lorry fares.

    The statement encouraged passengers to as much as possible reduce talking while in commercial vehicles, wash and/or sanitize their hands before boarding and after alighting.

    It advised passengers to insist on the new seating directives and report recalcitrant drivers to the Assembly concerned.

    The statement directed that all bulk trading activities have been relocated to the Takoradi Jubilee Park with effect from Wednesday, April 1, 2020, and that no trading activities would be permitted at the inner and outer perimeters of the Market circle.

    Traders affected by the exercise at the Market circle have been given a temporal space at the Jubilee Park.

    The statement added that all second-hand cloth and shoe dealers have also been relocated to Ekuasi Park at Sekondi with effect from Tuesday, 31 March, 2020, while traders selling within the median from Commercial Bank to Star Night have been relocated to Enamasi also in Sekondi.

    Similar plans had been instituted for the Kojokrom market.

    Meanwhile, the joint security and STMA monitoring team to arrest and detain children selling in and around the various markets and transport terminals have commenced operation.

    As a result, in the Central Business District of Takoradi, the team arrested thirty-two children while forty-one children were arrested in Kojokrom.

    The statement said particulars of the children who were arrested and their parents were taken and cautioned, while those who repeated the offence would be arraigned before court.

    The Security team would also ensure enforcement of directives on public gatherings, closure of beaches, provision of handwashing facilities and compliance of social distancing at banks, restaurants, transport terminals and all other institutions.

    source: GNA

  • Samartex donates GHC5,000 and hand sanitizer to Wassa Amenfi West Assembly

    Samartex Timber and plywood Company Limited has donated GHc 5,000 and hand sanitizers to the Wassa Amenfi West Municipal Assembly to help minimize the transmission of the COVID- 19 disease in the country.

    Presenting the items, the Managing Director of the Company, Mr. Richard Duah Nsenkyire, said the health and safety of the Municipality and nearby communities was very important hence the support.

    He pointed out that during these extraordinary times, it was imperative for all do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

    Mr Nsenkyire said the company was aware of the government’s effort to fight the virus and it was important for them to also contribute their bit to fight against the virus.

    “It’s a civic duty for Samatex to support the fight against the disease and we hope our contributions will significantly help us win the fight against COVID-19,” he added.

    Mr. Nsenkyire pointed out that sanitizers were effective for most infections and that people could carry small bottles of sanitizers, which can easily be handled and help to clean their hands frequently when water was not available.

    He appealed to the public to comply with the guidelines and other precautionary measures put in place by the government.

    The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. George Agyiri on behalf of the government and the Assembly, thanked Samartex for the support.

    He said the Assembly had also done it part by distributing other materials, which would help fight the virus and encouraged the people to strictly comply with the World Health Organization and Ghana Health Service protective measures, and support the Government’s efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.

    The MCE called on corporate entities to be committed to fighting the spread of the deadly virus.

    Source: GNA

  • CDD-Ghana proposes body cameras for security officials involved in lockdown duties

    A civil society group, Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has proposed that government installs body cameras on officers who are currently taking part in the lockdown duties.

    The group believe this will help the authorities know exactly what transpires between officers and civilians on a daily basis.

    This comes after several videos surfaced online alleging how some officers of the military and police are maltreating civilians.

    Programme Officer of CDD-Ghana, Paul Mensah Abrampa, says this move if implemented will help the country to a large extent.

    “In abnormal times such as this, you expect some of these clashes to happen because the directive for a lockdown was abrupt and we could not have enough time to put in place contingency measures. But being a civil society group and having monitored certain situations, we see it proactive to give our security officials body cameras. We are also aware that the security officers come from diverse backgrounds so no matter how strict the commanding officer is they will be people among them who will go wayward. I listen to the Military command and even though they debunked videos going round they accepted one and have recalled the officer.”

    The Ghana Police Service in 2019 received some over 3000 body cameras to be used by personnel.

    The body camera is to enhance police transparency and accountability.
    Body cameras are small-lensed devices, often worn on an officer’s chest to capture images. It has a microphone to record sounds and internal storage for data or footage for later review and analysis.

    Today marks Day 3 of the 14 days government partial lockdown. A number of civilians have clashed with security officials for failing to obey the directive.

    Ghana has so far recorded 195 COVID-19 cases with the death toll at 5.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Angry residents chase out lockdown escapees

    Angry residents of Apantem, a farming community near Aburi in Akuapem South Municipality of the Eastern Region, on Wednesday, chased out four escapees from Accra, which is currently under lockdown over Coronavirus pandemic.

    The four made up of a native of the community fled to seek refuge.

    Their arrival in the community triggered agitations as residents fear they may infect them with coronavirus.

    The agitations by the residents intensified as residents armed themselves with sticks, cutlass and clubs and threatened to attack the four escapees should they refuse to leave the community.

    “We are all aware of this deadly disease which government has issued a directive that as a result, nobody should move to other region but we have a resident here called Emma but today we saw him receive three visitors from Accra that because of the lockdown they coming to stay with him. So we held an emergency meeting as a community and resolved that we cannot stay with them here so they should leave,” the Odikro of the Community Ohene Kwafo told Starr News.

    Fortunately, the Municipal Chief Executive for Akuapem South, Frank Aidoo who was on an awareness campaign on COVID-19 coincidentally arrived in the community with his team and was able to calm down tempers.

    The MCE gave the four persons money for transportation to travel back to Accra.
    “We were on our usual routine to educate the villagers on COVID-19 and upon arrival, we were told that these gentlemen have actually sneaked into the village and that the villagers were up in arms and I will say that if we had not gone there it would have ended up in a lynching because they were quite angry”.

    COVID-19 cases in Ghana have now jumped to 195, the Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang Manu announced April 1, 2020.

    106 of the cases are from routine surveillance while cases from those on mandatory quarantine remain 89.

    Majority of the cases are in the Greater Accra Region with 174. The Northern region has 10 cases while the Ashanti Region which is currently on lockdown has recorded 9 cases.

    The Upper West Region and the Eastern have both recorded one case each.

    According to the Health Minister, 38 people have recovered and discharged while another 49 are receiving treatment from home. Deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana still stands at five.

    Source: starrfm.com

  • Over 50 coronavirus vaccine trials ongoing – WHO

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that there are more than 50 trials for Coronavirus vaccine (COVID-19).

    When she appeared on a Channels Television programme on Tuesday, Fiona Braka, the country officer for WHO in Nigeria, said there is also a multi-country trial for a drug for the virus. Over 828,000 persons have so far been infected while more than 40,700 have died in little over three months.

    Most of the 174,000 persons who have recovered from the infection did so as a result of a strong immune system and absence of underlying health conditions.

    “We currently have over 50 vaccine trials that are in place, trying to work round the clock to fast-track the vaccine development process, and we continue to keep countries informed of that process.

    “When it comes to treatment, WHO is leading a multi-country clinical trial. So far, 45 countries have signed up for that,” Braka said.

    Braka also added that what is being adopted is a “solidarity trial” that would “test different drugs in four different arms against the normal standard of care we are currently implementing.”

    Source: vangaurdngr.com

  • 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/

  • Lockdown: Ghana Police urges public to ignore viral brutality videos

    The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has asked the general public to disregard videos in circulation on social media showing brutality being meted to a section of the citizenry by some personnel of their outfit in the period of the lockdown.

    According to the GPS, the videos are not situations from the lockdown directive by the president which has restricted movements to stem the novel Coronavirus pandemic.

    Following the start of the lockdown, many videos have emerged about some security personnel severely abusing citizens for flouting the indoor rule by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    Ghanaians have complained bitterly about the harsh treatment meted out on them by both the military and police.

    Denying the allegations, the Police Service stated that the videos are old; some as far back as 2013.

    “We have seen some videos which are not related to the ongoing COVID operation trending. We are sharing with you the details of those videos so that you all share with family and friends.”

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) says videos trending on social media that sought to suggest that some soldiers on the Operation COVID Safety were manhandling citizens are fake.

    A statement issued by the public relations directorate of the GAF said the videos are doctored and re-cycled videos of past events, some of which did not even originate from Ghana.

    Below are some of the videos the Ghana Police Service says are fake

    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

  • 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

  • Burkina Faso, Republic of Guinea threaten to return coronavirus-infected Ghanaians

    The Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Sa-eed has disclosed that, Ghana’s attempt to repatriate the ten(10) foreigners who were apprehended, quarantined and later tested positive for the COVID 19 in Tamale has proved futile.

    According to him, Ghana’s engagement with the Guinean authorities was unsuccessful as they registered their unwillingness to accept their citizens who have tested positive for the Coronavirus disease.

    Our headache is that the Guinean authorities are saying they will not agree for us to return them,’ the minister said.

    He however disclosed that, the Ghana Government is in talks with Burkina Faso authorities to return these persons considering that is their original place of residence before they moved into Ghana.

    According to the Northern Regional Minister, Burkina Faso authorities are threatening to return Ghanaian nationals who are said to be sick and receiving treatment should Ghana decide to return the 10 people who illegally got into the country and tested positive for the COVID 19.

    The northern regional minister has therefore urged the people of Tamale to remain calm amidst assurances that, they are working towards ensuring that those people are returned to their respective countries.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Health Minister pays working visit to health facilities in Ho

    Minister for Health and Member of Parliament for Dormaa Central Municipal Assembly in the Brong Ahafo Region, Mr. Kweku Agyeman-Manu yesterday, Monday March 30, led a team of some officials from the health ministry to pay a surprise visit to Ho, the Volta Regional capital to ascertain the preparedness of the Ho Teaching Hospital and Ghana Health Service for the isolation or treatment of any suspected or confirmed cases of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic in the region.

    The Minister reassured officials of the Ho Directorate of the Ghana Health Service that in the next few days to come, testing for coronavirus will begin in the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Laboratory.

    Hon. Agyeman Manu however showered praises on the front line health workers in the region for the level of preparedness they have shown and also encouraged them to continue the good work they are doing for the love of humanity.

    Dr. Archibald Letsa who is the Volta Regional minister thanked the minister for the visit and also assured him of nothing but excellence in the handling of any confirmed or suspected cases of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Volta Region has so far two COVID-19 task forces. One of the task forces was set up by the University of Health and Allied Sciences in collaboration with Ho Teaching Hospital while the other task force was set up by the regional directorate of the Ghana Health Service which is led by Dr. Timothy Letsa, a brother to the regional minister.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Eastern region records first coronavirus case in Lower Manya Krobo

    A first case of Covid-19 has been recorded in the Eastern region at the Lower Manya Krobo municipality.

    The patient, who is an Indian working with the construction company building the railway from Akosombo to Tema, returned to the country a few days ago after he visited his home country.

    He has since been quarantined and receiving treatment at an isolated facility at Kpong.

    Health authorities have begun tracing people who may have interacted with the patient.

    The Lower Manya Municipal Health Director, Bismark Sarkodie who confirmed the case to JoyNews said, persons who had come in contact with the victim will be quarantined and monitored to curb a potential spread.

    The Health Minister has disclosed that as of Wednesday, April 1, 195 cases of Covid-19 has been recorded in the country.

    Kwaku Agyeman-Manu who made the disclosure as he addressed the media at a press briefing, did not give further details on the new cases but said the death toll is still five.

    Seven more Covid-19 patients have been discharged. This brings the total number to 38.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • 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