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Tag: coronavirus in Ghana

  • No hand sanitizer, no trotro – GPRTU tells passengers

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has served notice that they will from next week prevent passengers without hand sanitizers from boarding their buses.

    According to the North Darkuman branch of the GPRTU, they have started disinfecting the buses and every bus that will be on a scale from today will be disinfected.

    Branch secretary of the North Dakuman GPRTU, William Owereku said passengers are from next week encouraged to come with their hand sanitizers.

    “We are disinfecting the buses, the seats where passengers usually hold and everywhere. Anytime a bus is on a scale to load they have already been disinfected, we are also advising the passengers to come with their hand sanitizers, if from next week you don’t have we will not allow you to board our bus. These are some initial measures being taking..”

    There have been many concerns after the President yesterday banned public gatherings for four weeks, among some of the concerns is how people will protect themselves in commercial vehicles.

    These commercial vehicles have turned out to be the most common means of transportation in the country.

    Former government officials ready to help fight Covid-19 – Mahama

    Former President and flagbearer for the NDC, John Mahama said former appointees during his tenure are ready to help the government in its fight to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

    Speaking on the Covid-19 outbreak and the confirmed cases in Ghana, John Mahama said appointees of his administration who assisted in the country’s readiness effort during the ebola crisis will be available to assist if being called upon.

    “Former appointees who assisted in our readiness effort during the ebola crisis will assist the government in any way they can if requested to do so..”

    In a Facebook address, John Mahama also called on ECOWAS and the UN to put in place enforceable protocols in dealing with the pandemic.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Let’s rise above partisanship in coronavirus fight – Mahama

    The flagbearer for the NDC and a former President, John Mahama has called on Ghanaians to rise above partisanship and politics in the fight against Covid-19. According to John Mahama, the pandemic is an enemy to all and everyone must work to prevent the spread of it.

    “This virus is an enemy to all Ghanaians and the call to fight against it rises above partisanship and politic,” he said in the Facebook address to Ghanaians.

    Also on steps being taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19, John Mahama said PPEs must be provided for the health workers to prevent them from being infected with the virus.

    He also salutes the frontline workers for their dedication and commitment to make sure those infected are safe and also all Ghanaians get the needed medical attention.

    John Mahama also asked the government to provide incentives for health professionals to boost their morale in the execution of their jobs.

    As per a precautionary way to deal with the virus, former President Mahama advised for isolation centres to be established at all regions to prevent people from being sent from other regions to Accra for a check-up.

    He stated that the regional isolations centres have become necessary because some of the cases have been recorded outside Accra like the case of the Obuasi Mines worker.

    Former gov’t officials ready to help fight Covid-19 – Mahama

    John Mahama said former appointees during his tenure are ready to help the government in its fight to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

    Speaking on the Covid-19 outbreak and the confirmed cases in Ghana, John Mahama said appointees of his administration who assisted in the country’s readiness effort during the ebola crisis will be available to assist if being called upon.

    “Former appointees who assisted in our readiness effort during the ebola crisis will assist the government in any way they can if requested to do so..”

    In a Facebook address, John Mahama also called on ECOWAS and the UN to put in place enforceable protocols in dealing with the pandemic.

     

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Former gov’t officials ready to help fight coronavirus – Mahama

    Former President and flagbearer for the NDC, John Mahama says former appointees during his tenure are ready to help the government in its fight to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

    Speaking on the Covid-19 outbreak and the confirmed cases in Ghana, John Mahama said appointees of his administration who assisted in the country’s readiness effort during the ebola crisis will be available to assist if being called upon.

    “Former appointees who assisted in our readiness effort during the ebola crisis will assist the government in any way they can if requested to do so..”

    In a Facebook address, John Mahama also called on ECOWAS and the UN to put in place enforceable protocols in dealing with the pandemic.

    “During the Ebola crisis, I had the experience in working with our partners in ECOWAS and UN in addressing the threat, ECOWAS must now put in place common enforceable protocols to deal with the coronavirus across the sub-region and related issues. ECOWAS health and other relevant ministers and advisors must hold teleconference as a matter of urgency to review sub-regions action being put in place to protect us..”

    GHS takes delivery of more PPEs for health professionals

    The Ghana Health Service, GHS has also taken delivery of the second consignment of Personal Protective Equipment, PPE.

    The PPEs will help protect health professionals who are in contact with infected Covid-19 victims.

    Director-General for the Ghana Health Service Dr Patrick Aboagye said they have taken delivery of the second consignment of PPEs.

    He said the third consignment is also expected in the country soon and will be distributed.

    Dr Patrick Aboagye also advised the health professional to use the PPEs judiciously.

    “We’ve brought in the second consignment of PPEs, we are expecting the third consignment and as it comes it will be distributed. As we continue to expand our training and rapid response teams, there are systems and resources available plan to ensure that as and when we need PPEs we will use them. We will ask that people not to also waste PPEs, that is extremely important because it globally not readily available..”

     

    Source: kingdomfmonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Methodist Church bans all activities after Akufo-Addo’s directive

    In the wake of combating the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, the Methodist Church Ghana, has among other things, called on its members to stay strong in their faith, and believe in the power of God to end the spread of the disease, while meting out directives in adherence to the President’s address on Sunday.

    “The issue of the novel corona virus which has become a global plague is most worrying. We believe in the power of God to end this epidemic. It is my prayer that this COVID-19 pandemic, will increase our faith in god and trust Him for his abiding presence ,” a statement issued by the Presiding Bishop’s office encouraged.

    President Akufo-Addo, on Sunday evening, 15th March, 2020, addressed the nation on measures taken by government to fight the menace, including the suspension of all church activities for 4 weeks, following the now six (6) confirmed coronavirus cases in the country.

    In view of this,the Church, in efforts to aid in the fight, has also suspended all church services and temporarily closed all their education institutions until further notice.

    “Following the address by the President of the Republic of Ghana on Sunday, 15th March , 2020, on the update of the COVID-19, all church Services of The Methodist Church Ghana are suspended for four weeks. Additionally, all educational institutions of The Methodist Church Ghana are closed until further notice, the statement read.

    COVID-192761 by The Independent Ghana on Scribd

    The Methodist Church Ghana becomes a part of the other churches who have positively responded to the President’s directive on cancelling all church activities for four weeks, including Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the Catholic Church Ghana.

    In his address, the President also suspended public gatherings such as funerals, weddings, conferences and sporting activities.  He however noted that, private weddings and burials could take place but with a limited number of about 25 in attendance.

    Also, all tertiary institutions, senior secondary and basic schools are to be closed down indefinitely, and have been encouraged to engage in distance learning.

    The Ministry of Transport is also expected to liaise with public transport operators to enhance proper hygiene, while market areas, supermarkets, malls etc are to ensure the highest standards of personal hygiene among others.

    Source: backend.theindependentghana.com

  • Coronavirus: Akufo-Addo summons members of parliament

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has requested the presence of Members of Parliament for a meeting later today, Monday 16th March 2020.

    The conclave scheduled at 3:00pm was announced by the Speaker of Parliament, Prof Aaron Oquaye in the middle of the day’s sitting.

    Although the Speaker did not give details of what the meeting will entail, there are speculations that there is a high likelihood of discussions on issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic or suspension of parliamentary sittings.

    President Akufo-Addo on March 15, 2020, issued a directive that all outdoor events including funerals, Church activities and naming ceremonies, to be suspended in the wake of coronavirus.

    Schools have also been asked to close down temporarily for a period of 4 weeks.

    This, according to Akufo-Addo, are precautionary measures to fight the virus and prevent any widespread after 6 cases have been confirmed in Ghana.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • COVID-19: CEGA calls for postponement of compilation of new voter register

    The Centre for Ethical Governance and Administration (CEGA) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to suspend the compilation of the new Voters Register in the outbreak of the Coronavirus in the country.

    Ghana has so far recorded six cases of Covid 19.

    The EC is set to roll out registration for the compilation of a new voter register on Saturday, April 18 2020.

    In a statement dated Monday, 16 March 2020, the CEGA said it has received information that: “some of the vendors and equipment contracted by the Electoral Commission are coming from Europe, where the Coronavirus infection has been declared a pandemic, in this regard the Electoral Commission is being called upon not to take any steps that will jeopardise the life of any single Ghanaian in the pursuit of their entrenched position in re-registering Ghanaians into the new but needless Voters Register.”

    The Centre also noted that “Some Ghanaians living outside Ghana would have preferred travelling to their various polling stations in Ghana to be registered” however, with the “current pandemic nature of the Coronavirus infections almost all flights have been cancelled denying these Ghanaians the opportunity to register and fulfill their civic responsibility of voting .

    “It will also be medically unsafe for Ghanaians abroad seeking to be registered to come to Ghana. This means that the intended Registration Exercise will exclude many Ghanaians living outside and even those within the country will not find it safe to join long queues which will result in body direct contact to register.”

    It also emphasised measures announced by government to control the spread of the Coronavirus infection and called on the “Electoral Commissioner to cancel the impending registration exercise and the National Identification Authority to immediately freeze all registration activities until it is medically safe and serves the public good.

    CEGA continued that: “the President, government officials and individuals who travelled to Norway and other European countries recently should immediately stop all public engagements and proceed on a self-quarantine in the public interest.”

    It further continued that: “it has noted with despair and anguish that, soon upon arrival in Ghana, the entire government machinery including most of the officials who returned recently from Norway moved to Kumasi to celebrate the National Independence Day on 6th March 2020.

    CEGA also called on the Ministry of Health “to expand their contact tracking to Kumasi in a bid to properly contain the virus” and on “all Political Parties” to take the necessary steps to prevent any crowd activities to protect their members from being infected with the virus and for all media houses to “take steps to make sure all their workers are protected and equipment such as microphones used by staff and the public are absolutely safe for use at all times.”

     

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Coronavirus: We need special targeting – PWDs

    President of Council for persons with disability, Yaw Ofori Debrah has suggested the measures adopted by the government to prevent the spread of Covid-19 have not targetted PWDs.

    He said PWDs need special targeting so they would be well informed on the safety measures.

    He called for a specialised communication strategy for deaf persons to meet their needs, failure to do that he lamented could generate a serious crisis.

    For the blind, Mr Debrah also called for an initiative to educate them on the measures being employed to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

    He appealed to corporate Ghana to offer assistant to PWDs in this regard.

    Disability he explained is a special area that needs specialised individuals to manage their affairs.

    He admonished the government to appoint a presidential staffer to attend to issues of PWDs.

    Ghana has confirmed six cases with 181 persons traced and being monitored for coming into contact with the affected persons.

    1Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah on Sunday indicated that the government has in place initiatives to educate PWDs.

    Meanwhile, all travel to Ghana is strongly discouraged until further notice.

    ”Any traveler, except for Ghanaian citizens and persons with Ghana residence permits, who within the last 14 days, has been to a country that has recorded at least 200 cases of COVID-19, will not be admitted into the Ghanaian jurisdiction. Airlines are instructed not to allow such persons to embark. Border posts are instructed not to allow such persons into the jurisdiction.”

    Aside from that, “there will be a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for persons who are otherwise allowed to enter the Ghanaian jurisdiction. Guidelines for self-quarantine will be available at the various Ghanaian ports of entry. Enforcement protocols are being deployed in collaboration with state security and health authorities. Persons determined to be unable to satisfactorily self-quarantine will be quarantined by the State. Any admissible traveler, who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 will be quarantined and tested upon reaching Ghana. ”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Why close down churches but leave nightclubs open? President questioned

    Some Ghanaians are wondering why the President has banned church gatherings for the next four weeks, but has said that nightclubs and other businesses can go on and operate in spite of the coronavirus.

    Last night, as part of drastic measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, banned nearly all public gatherings but exempted businesses that entail gatherings such as nightclubs, instructing such businesses to observe enhanced hygiene practices.

    “All Universities, Senior High Schools, and basic schools, i.e. public and private schools, will be closed Monday, 16th March, 2020, till further notice. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, has been tasked to roll out distance learning programmes. However, BECE and WASSCE candidates will be allowed to attend school to prepare for their examinations, but with prescribed social distancing protocols…

    [But] Establishments, such as supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, night clubs, hotels and drinking spots, should observe enhanced hygiene procedures by providing, amongst others, hand sanitizers, running water and soap for washing of hands” the President stated.

    But some Ghanaians are critical of the president following these directive allowing nightclubs to operate while churches have been banned.

    Below are some social media reactions to the directive

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • COVID-19: Use of akpeteshie to clean hands won’t work – Noguchi boss

    As COVID-19 spreads, common surfaces like gas pumps and doorknobs suddenly seem suspect.

    Hand rub
    Hand rub

    Professor Abraham Annan, the Director of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), has said the wrongful use of alcohol in place of a hand sanitizer could increase the chances of picking up coronavirus (COVID-19).

    He said alcohol may be good as a disinfectant, it must be used with the right requirements but the public must be cautious in going for ordinary alcohol as disinfectants for hands instead of properly prepared hand sanitizers.

    “Alcohol can be good for disinfection; in the laboratory, for example, we use alcohol for disinfection,” he said, adding “but before the alcohol is used, we prepare it in a certain way. We, first of all, will use water that is distilled or de-iodinized. We won’t use tap water or any water to prepare the alcohol for disinfection in the laboratory,” he said.

    Speaking on GTV, he said: “the concentration of the alcohol is set to a certain concentration that it works best. If you change that concentration, make it higher it doesn’t work as good as even that optimum lower concentration and if you bring it lower, it also doesn’t work as good. So alcohol usage for disinfection is a science. So if you go and take something like local gin like akpeteshie, and say that I’m using it to clean my hands, no, it won’t work.”

    However, health authorities have announced that cases of the Coronavirus disease in Ghana have increased to a total of six as of Saturday, March 14, 2020.

    The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Badu Sarkodie said the four new cases like the previous two announced last Thursday were imported into Ghana.

    Over 200 contacts have been traced in all the cases and are doing self-quarantine.

    Source: Pulse Ghana

  • Coronavirus: Ghana has traced 181 contacts of confirmed cases

    The Ministry of Health has confirmed that it has traced over one hundred and eighty (180) contacts of confirmed cases in Ghana.

    Dr Sarkodie
    Dr Sarkodie

    According to the Ghana Health Service, the contacts are from the four cases that were confirmed yesterday.

    Speaking at a media briefing in Accra on Sunday, March 15, 2020, the Director of Public Health at the GHS, Dr Badu Sarkodie, said all those traced had been advised to do self-quarantine.

    He explained that the number traced were in relation to the first four confirmed cases, explaining that processes were ongoing to identify all persons who might have come into contact with the confirmed cases.

    He said in relation to the first two cases, involving a Ghanaian and a Norwegian, 32 and 107 contacts had been traced respectively.

    Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, Health MinisterKwaku Agyeman-Manu, Health Minister

    Dr Sarkodie said with the third and fourth cases, involving a student and a Ghanaian who travelled to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, a total of 12 and 30 contacts had been traced respectively.

    He explained that although Ghana had opted for self-quarantine instead of compulsory state quarantine, the Ghana Health Service with its allied agencies would keep a close eye on those who had been traced.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • No football in Ghana

    The Ghana Football Association has announced the suspension of all its competitions in compliance with a national directive banning all public gatherings, including sporting events, in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

    The Ghana Premier League, which has reached its matchweek 15 stage, as well as the Ghana men’s FA Cup and the Women’s Premier League and Women’s FA Cup, have been affected.

    Ghana has so far confirmed six cases of the coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, a worrying situation leading to the presidential directives on Sunday night. The GFA promptly reacted to the order, releasing a statement on the status of its competitions.

    “The Ghana Football Association following the directives given by the President of the Republic on Sunday, March 15, 2020, has suspended all its competitions with immediate effect until further notice,” the GFA announced via its official website.

    “In a statement released last week, the GFA announced that while all competitions will go ahead as scheduled it will continue to liaise with Government, the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health and follow all national health protocols on the matter.

    “The Government of Ghana announced new protocols on Sunday and consequently the GFA will immediately follow the new issued protocols and guidelines.

    “The Association will continue to engage the relevant institutions on this matter and update its members and all stakeholders of any changes.”

    There had been growing concerns about the safety of team officials, players and fans alike amid reported new coronavirus cases globally.

    Six league matches were played on Sunday, with two more games involving giants Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak scheduled to take place on Monday to wrap up matchweek 15’s round of games.

    Ghana joins the likes of England, USA, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Morocco to have pulled the plug on their national leagues in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

    Source: Goal.com

  • GHS takes delivery of more PPEs for health professionals

    The Ghana Health Service, GHS has taken delivery of the second consignment of Personal Protective Equipment, PPE. The PPEs will help protect health professionals who are in contact with infected Covid-19 victims.

    Director-General for the Ghana Health Service Dr Patrick Aboagye said they have taken delivery of the second consignment of PPEs.

    He said the third consignment is also expected in the country soon and will be distributed.

    Dr Patrick Aboagye also advised the health professional to use the PPEs judiciously.

    “We’ve brought in the second consignment of PPEs, we are expecting the third consignment and as it comes it will be distributed. As we continue to expand our training and rapid response teams, there are systems and resources available plan to ensure that as and when we need PPEs we will use them. We will ask that people not to also waste PPEs, that is extremely important because it globally not readily available..”

    Nurses and Midwives have been advised by their mother association, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to leave isolation units if they are not supplied personal protective equipment by the government.

    The Association also urged the health workers to be on alert in the conduct of their daily routines in light of the outbreak of the 2019 Coronavirus.

    The Association in a release on Friday, March 13, 2020, said health officials must ensure that protective gears are made available to the nurses and midwives who will be on the frontline working in isolation units in the four designated treatment centres for Coronavirus in Ghana.

    “Nursing and Midwifery managers must ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are available for use by all nurses and midwives working in the isolation Units in the four designated treatment centres.”

    “In the event of unavailability of these logistics at the isolation centres, we strongly advise our nurses and midwives to protect their lives by removing themselves from that environment,” the statement said.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Agyemang-Badu slams Ghanaians over poor coronavirus awareness

    Italy-based midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has hit out at Ghanaians over their lack of awareness amidst the coronvirus pandemic insisting the deadly disease outbreak globally has become a matter of jokes in his home country.

    Ghana has so far recorded six cases of COVID-19 within two days and the Hellas Verona star who plies his trade in one of the hardest hit countries thinks it is about time the West African country takes matters seriously.

    On Sunday, President Nana Akufo-Addo banned all public gatherings including the ongoing Ghana Premier League for the next four weeks as part of measures to stop the spread of novel coronavirus in the country.

    “I think as Ghanaians we joke a lot with very serious issues. I have been reading on social media how people are circulating fake news and playing with it,” Badu said on Angel FM.

    “This is how Italians started with it and now the whole country is at standstill.

    “It is never true that coronavirus doesn’t infect black people. As I speak, two black footballers have contracted it in Italy. Myself, I have been placed under self-isolation because my club faced a club that’s got 8 players testing positive.

    “If I need anything, you just have to put on club WhatsApp page so that club physio will buy for you.

    “For one week now, I’m in the house alone and even the team physio who buys me groceries is not allowed to get in contact with me. He just places them at my doorstep and disappears. It is a very scary and sad situation here.”

    Badu left Udinese to join fellow Italian side Hellas Verona on a season-long loan deal in the summer.

    Last week, the Italian government launched an all-out battle against its coronavirus outbreak: The entire country, home to over 60 million people, is on lockdown.

    The coronavirus has infected 15,113 people and killed at least 1,016 in Italy as of Friday.

    Although nearly 65% of all recorded coronavirus cases worldwide have been in China, Italy is the hardest-hit nation outside of Asia.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • COVID-19 outbreak: 151 contacts traced to 4 cases so far Dr. Badu Sarkodie

    So far, a total number of 151 contacts have been traced to four out of six individuals who have been confirmed with the novel coronavirus in Ghana.

    This was revealed by the Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Badu Sarkodie at a press briefing held on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

    “Let me give just a brief about details of the various cases that we have had with respect to the contacts that we are managing. First four cases, contact tracing has started. We just confirmed the last two cases over the night and we have started mechanisms to identify the contacts. With case 1, we have identified two contacts and all the contacts are being traced. With case 2, the Norwegian, we have identified 107 contacts and we have started processes to follow up on 68 of them. We will be in touch with the rest by the close of today.”

    “Case 3 is a student and for now, we have identified 12 contacts. We are still in the process to work assiduously to get more. And with the last case, the place of residence is Obuasi. Currently, we have identified 30 contacts and all the 30 contacts are being followed up,” he said.

    This was after he announced that four more cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Ghana, bringing the total figure to six.

    First two cases confirmed on March 13

    On Friday, March 13 2020, the first two cases were confirmed as COVID-19. They reported in two regions. One each from Ashanti Region and the other in the Greater Accra Region.

    “The first is a 56-year old man, a Ghanaian who returned from a trip in the UK on the 4th of March. He stayed in UK for 10 days and came back. He developed symptoms on the 12th of March and reported to a hospital in Obuasi. The case definition met the case of that of suspected COVID-19. Samples were taken and sent to the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) and within a short time, the lab reported that this is another confirmed case of COVID-19 within the country.”

    “The second is a woman, a Ghanaian student. She travelled out to the USA. Stayed there for about 10 days. She came back on the 9th of March and on 13th of March, started having symptoms…Samples were taken to Noguchi on 13th and the same day we had a report from Noguchi that confirmed this as another case of COVID-19.”

    Second cases on March 14

    Dr. Badu Sarkodie announced that the two additional cases were of two Ghanaian males aged 42, and 41 who travelled into the country this month.

    So far, no contacts have been traced to these last two, as they have now started processes to trace them.

    Travellers will not be allowed into the country

    Also at the press briefing, the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah disclosed that travellers from coronavirus-hit countries with cases exceeding 200 will not be allowed in the Ghanaian jurisdiction.

    He also disclosed that travels to Ghana are strongly discouraged following the outbreak.

    “All travels to Ghana is at this stage strongly discouraged until further notice. Any traveller except for Ghanaian citizens who has been to a country that has recorded at least 200 cases of COVID-19 will not be allowed into the Ghanaian jurisdiction. Airlines are instructed to not allow such persons into the jurisdiction,” he said.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • GFA suspends all football competitions

    The Ghana Football Association following the directives given by the President of the Republic on Sunday, March 15, 2020, has suspended all its competitions with immediate effect until further notice.

    In a statement released last week, the GFA announced that while all competitions will go ahead as scheduled it will continue to liaise with Government, the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health and follow all national health protocols on the matter.

    The Government of Ghana announced new protocols on Sunday and consequently the GFA will immediately follow the new issued protocols and guidelines.

    The Association will continue to engage the relevant institutions on this matter and update its members and all stakeholders of any changes.

    Source: ghanafa.org

  • Takoradi church revises service due to Covid-19

    The Christ Kingdom Ambassadors Church in Takoradi in the Western Region has changed its Sunday Service time as part of efforts to ensure that the church will not serve as a place to contract the coronavirus disease.

    The church has changed the Sunday Service time from the original 8:00am 12:00am to 7:30am 9:00am.

    Head Pastor Paa Kwesi Hammond told 3news.com that the change was effected a week ago.

    “Since WHO declared the coronavirus as a pandemic, we had a meeting and looked at ways to protect the church members,” Pastor Hammond intimated.

    “We considered several measures. One of them was to change the service time. This way, we can help reduce the contact time at church. And when we announced it in church it was well received.”

    According to him, apparently the church members were also thinking about what the church was doing after the country recorded the two cases.

    He said the church has also placed hand sanitizers at the entrance where members are expected to use before entering the main auditorium.

    “Anyone who enters will have to use the hand sanitizer. Especially the kids who like jumping from one point to the other. And since we started the members are complying without any hesitation.

    “We have also discouraged handshakes, hugging and other forms of body contacts while the service is ongoing. The sitting arrangement has also changed a bit. We have also changed how we take our offering and how the counting is done.”

    He mentioned that the church is currently considering canceling some evening services.

    When asked whether he will consider canceling the Sunday Service entirely, he said “we are monitoring the situation and what WHO and Ghana Health Service will advise”.

    “If we have to stop all church services because of the virus, we will gladly do that. I mean big churches in the USA and elsewhere are doing that so why not us?”

    The Christ Kingdom Ambassadors Church has over 700 members.

    Source: 3news.com

  • Suspend Ghana card registration – STRANEK

    Policy think tank, Strategic Thinkers Network (STRANEK) has called for the suspension of the Ghana card registration exercise considering the confirmation of the coronavirus cases in Ghana.

    A statement issued by the policy think tank wondered why the National Identification Authority (NIA) has failed to issue any statement on the matter.

    The Director of Public Health at Ghana Health Service, Dr. Badu Sarkodie has confirmed that about 151 persons have so far been exposed to patients with confirmed cases of the COVID-19 in Ghana.

    He gave the update on the status If the country today, Sunday, March 15, 2020.

    Dr. Sarkodie explained that four new cases were confirmed by the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research and the Noguchi Research Institutes at various points between Friday and Saturday.

    The new cases involving a 56-year-old who returned from the UK, a student who returned from the United States of America, a 42-year-old Ghanaian male who returned from Switzerland and the UK, a 41-year-old who returned from Turkey and Germany, though are currently in isolation and stable, have since their return to Ghana contacted various persons.

    The breakdown indicated that 2 contacts have been established in the first case, 107 in the second, 12 in the third and some 30 others in the last and fourth new confirmed Coronavirus case.

    In view of this, STRANEK believes that NIA must suspend the registration exercise.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Businesses to suffer as government bans foreigners from entering Ghana?

    Businesses in Ghana are expected to take a heavy hit following new measures taken by the government to contain the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic in the country.

    Recently, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) predicted ‘famine’ in the country by May 2020 following the shortage of goods on the international market.

    The prediction appears to be coming to fruition after the government on Sunday, March 15, 2020, issued a temporal ban on travellers from countries that have recorded over 200 cases of coronavirus.

    This announcement by the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong follows four more cases recorded in the country making a total of 6 persons infected with the global pandemic, coronavirus.

    “Any traveller except for Ghanaian citizens and persons with Ghana resident permits who within the last 14 days has been to a country that has recorded at least 200 cases of COVID-19 will not be permitted in the Ghanaian jurisdiction,” he stressed.

    The government is also strongly advising against travel to the West African country.

    They have also instructed airlines not to allow persons from coronavirus prone areas to enter the country.

    Meanwhile, the government has released a whopping $100 million to fight the coronavirus.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Law students boycott lectures over poor precautionary measures

    Students of the Ghana School of Law are boycotting lecturers over claims that management of the school has failed to put in place adequate precautionary measures over the outbreak of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    A statement by the Students Reprehensive Council (SRC) said, “the SRC and the entire student body have not been satisfied by measures put in place by management to prevent an outbreak at the Ghana School of Law… Consequently, we have resolved to stay away from lectures.”

    Jonathan Alua, the SRC President, however, urged the student body to stand together to boycott lectures to force management to put in place adequate measures to prevent a spread of the virus on campus.

    He noted that many activities in the school expose students to contracting the virus, hence the need for management to step up efforts to protect them.

    “Passing around microphones, sitting arrangements in class, washroom conditions, passing around attendance books, clocking in with the biometric register among others still present a significant problem. We are hopeful management will come up with measures that are reassuring and safe,” the statement stressed.

    Read below the full statement.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • COVID-19: Self-quarantine: BPA to staff

    The Bui Power Authority has urged all its staff whose children attend the Ghana International School, German Swiss School and the Lincoln Community School or may have recently had contacts with UNDP and UNESCO staff in Accra to self-quarantine for 14 days.

    In a memo to all its staff, the BPA said: “Our attention has been drawn to the fact that Ghana International School, German Swiss School and Lincoln Community School have been temporarily closed due to suspected cases of COVID-19.

    “Similarly, UNDP and UNESCO have also been temporarily closed.

    “We advise all staff whose wards attend these institutions as well as staff who have been in contact with staff of the UNDP and UNESCO to proceed to self-quarantine for a period of two weeks effective Monday, 16 March 2020”.

    Meanwhile, the government of The Netherlands has shut down its embassy in Ghana following the confirmation of one case of coronavirus in the embassy of Norway which shares the same building with the embassy of The Netherlands.

    In an “important public notice” posted on its social media pages, the embassy of The Netherlands said: “Following the confirmation by the Norwegian Embassy that one of its staff has tested positive for the COVID-19, and given that the Norwegian & Netherlands Embassies share the same building, the Netherlands Embassy in Ghana is closed until further notice”.

    It added: “The Netherlands Embassy is in contact with the Ghana Health Service to assist with containment efforts. As a precautionary measure, staff of the embassy are working from home. The NL Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and will inform the public of any new developments”.

    The Norway embassy case is one of two confirmed cases in Ghana.

    The other patient is Ghanaian UNDP workers in Accra who brought the disease home from Turkey.

    On Friday, the Embassy of Norway in Ghana shut down its offices temporarily following the contraction of the virus by its staff.

    In a statement, the Embassy of Norway said it “can confirm that one of our colleagues has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus”.

    “The person is in quarantine and the Embassy is in close dialogue with Ghana Health Service”, the statement said, adding: “Routine contact-tracing has commenced”.

    “All staff are also in quarantine, and we are fully committed to assist with containment.

    “The Embassy is closed to the public until further notice, but staff are operating from home.

    “We are thankful for the care and assistance offered by Ghana’s health authorities and WHO Ghana, and also for the compassion showed.

    “We urge everybody to follow the preventive measures issued by the WHO and Ghanaian authorities”, the statement added.

    The Norwegian is one of two cases confirmed in Ghana. The other is a Ghanaian with the UNDP.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Akufo-Addo calls for support for experts conducting contact tracing

    The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has called on the general public to assist experts conducting contact tracing for the confirmed coronavirus cases.

    This comes after Ghana confirmed 4 other cases of Coronavirus Sunday afternoon.

    Health authorities announced that the six cases of the disease have been recorded in the country in less than 48 hours.

    The Ministry of Health announced that the government has started contact tracing for suspected cases.

    Addressing the general public Sunday evening, Akufo-Addo said, “Additionally as experts conduct contact tracing, I appeal to all to cooperate with them to ensure that persons who have come into contact with positive cases are identified and supported.”

    Source: atinkaonline.com

  • Coronavirus: More foreign missions, embassies to suspend operations

    More foreign missions and embassies in Ghana are expected to announce, in the coming days, a suspension of their operations.

    This follows the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country.

    Ghana confirmed four more new cases of the CODVID 19 disease on Sunday, 15 March 2020, making it six so far.

    The Netherlands Embassy, on Saturday, announced the closure of its consulate services in Ghana, indicating that its employees will work from home.

    The Norwegian Embassy was the first to make such an announcement, following the confirmation that one of the first two patients recorded in Ghana was a staff.

    The UNDP had also earlier on Friday announced that its employees will work from home following the confirmation that one of its staff members had contracted the coronavirus.

    He had returned to Ghana from Turkey.

    Some schools, particularly international ones, have already suspended their operations until further notice.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Ministries urged to collaborate with stakeholders

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the Transport Ministry to work with transport associations to ensure high level of sanitation among drivers in the face of the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the last 48 hours.

    “The ministry of transport should work with the transport associations and ensure a high level of sanitation among drivers,” he said.

    The President, in his address to the nation on the update of the virus, further urged other ministries to take precautionary measures in their day-to-day activities.

    “Ministry of local government must ensure high level of sanitation at the market place. The ministry of local government should collaborate with MMDCs to improve hygienic conditions in the markets,” he said.

    He further reiterated that supermarket, shopping malls, restaurants, night clubs amongst others should observe enhanced hygiene procedures by providing hand sanitisers, running water and soap for washing of hands.

    Source: thebftonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Akufo-Addo orders transport unions to ensure hygienic conditions in vehicles

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has instructed the Ministry of Transport, to work with transport unions and private and public transport operators to ensure enhanced hygienic conditions in vehicles and terminals.

    In his televised address to the nation on measures his government has taken to combat the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Akufo-Addo said they should provide amongst other things “hand sanitizers, running water and soap for washing of hands.”

    This, the President believes will help in the fight to reduce the spread of the coronavirus pandemic amongst Ghanaians.

    He also “directed the Attorney General to submit, immediately, to Parliament emergency legislation, in accordance with Article 21 (4) (c) & (d) of the Constitution of the Republic, to embody these measures, and I have further directed the Minister for Health to exercise his powers, under section 169 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), by the immediate issuance of an Executive Instrument, to govern the relevant measures. I call upon Parliament to support the Executive in this national endeavour.”

    Akufo-Addo shuts down schools until further notice

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as part of his address directed the management of schools in the country to shut down effective Monday, March 16, 2020, until further notice.

    He said, “All universities, Senior High Schools and basic schools ie public and private schools, will be closed Monday, March 16, 2020, till further notice. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, has been tasked to roll out distance learning programmes.”

    The President added that “BECE and WASSCE candidates will be allowed to attend school to prepare for their examinations but with prescribed social distancing protocols.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Infographics: Akufo-Addos address to the nation on measures taken to combat coronavirus pandemic

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Sunday, March 15, 2020, addressed the nation on measures taken by the government to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country.

    As part of the measure, the President placed a ban on all public gatherings including conference, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies and church activities and related events.

    This directive he said, will be in force for the next four weeks.

    The president also ordered the closure of all educational institutions until further notice.

    “All universities, Senior High Schools and basic schools ie public and private schools, will be closed Monday, March 16, 2020, till further notice. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, has been tasked to roll out distance learning programmes,” he said.

    President Akufo-Addo, however, stressed that “BECE and WASSCE candidates will be allowed to attend school to prepare for their examinations but with prescribed social distancing protocols.”

    Below are some infographics from the President address:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Government bans church activities, funerals, other public gatherings over Coronavirus

    President Akufo-Addo has banned all public gatherings including conference, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies and church activities and related events as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country.

    The President in a national address on Sunday said the ban will be in force for the next four weeks.

    “I have decided in the interest of public safety and the protection of our population to review the public gathering advisories earlier announced as follows. Firstly, all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, sporting events and religious activities, such as services in churches and mosques, have been suspended for the next four (4) weeks. Private burials are permitted, but with limited numbers, not exceeding twenty-five (25) in attendance,” the President said.

    Coronavirus cases in Ghana

    Ghana has so far recorded four more cases of the Coronavirus. This makes a total of six cases.

    The development was announced by Director of Public Health at Ghana Health Service, Dr. Badu Sarkodie during a press briefing on the current status of the country at the Information Ministry, Sunday, March 15, 2020.

    According to him, two more cases, after Thursday’s, were confirmed on Friday, March 13, 2020 – one from the Ashanti Region and the other from the Greater Accra Region.

    “The first is a 56-year-old Ghanaian who returned from a trip to the United Kingdom on the 4th of March. He stayed in the UK for 10 days. He developed symptoms on the 12th of March and reported to a health facility in Obuasi,” said Dr. Sarkodie.

    source: ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Akufo-Addo shut down all schools until further notice

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed the management of schools in the country to shut down effective Monday, March 16, 2020.

    The President gave the order when he addressed the nation on Sunday.

    He said, “All universities, Senior High Schools and basic schools ie public and private schools, will be closed Monday, March 16, 2020, till further notice. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, has been tasked to roll out distance learning programmes.”

    The President added that “BECE and WASSCE candidates will be allowed to attend school to prepare for their examinations but with prescribed social distancing protocols.”

    Coronavirus cases in Ghana

    Ghana has so far recorded four more cases of the Coronavirus. This makes a total of six cases.

    The development was announced by Director of Public Health at Ghana Health Service, Dr. Badu Sarkodie during a press briefing on the current status of the country at the Information Ministry, Sunday, March 15, 2020.

    According to him, two more cases, after Thursday’s, were confirmed on Friday, March 13, 2020 – one from the Ashanti Region and the other from the Greater Accra Region.

    “The first is a 56-year-old Ghanaian who returned from a trip to the United Kingdom on the 4th of March. He stayed in the UK for 10 days. He developed symptoms on the 12th of March and reported to a health facility in Obuasi,” said Dr. Sarkodie.

    Watch the President’s address below

  • Ghana closes borders to stop spread of Coronavirus

    The Government of Ghana has announced the closure of its borders in a bid to contain the spread of the Coronavirus in the country.

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah announced on Sunday there has been four more confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Ghana, making it a total of six cases in the country since the first two were announced last week.

    All the four new cases, as well as the initial two cases, were imported by travellers who had arrived in the country from abroad.

    And as part of government’s precautionary measures to contain the spread of the Coronavirus in the country, the government has issued a six-point travel advisory steps, which includes the closure of the country’s borders to countries which have registered more than 200 cases of the Coronavirus, as well as a strong advice discouraging all travels to Ghana.

    The six-point travel advisory steps by the government are as follows:

    1. All travel to Ghana is strongly discouraged until further notice.

    2. Any traveller except for Ghanaian citizens and persons with Ghana residence permit who, within the last 14 days has been to a county that has recorded at least 200 cases of COVID-19 will not be admitted into the Ghanaian jurisdiction. Airlines are instructed not to allow such persons to embark. Border posts are instructed not to allow such persons into the jurisdiction,” said the government’s statement.

  • Government provides website for daily updates on coronavirus

    Information minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah says following the confirmation of 4 new cases of the novel coronavirus in Ghana, space has been created on the Ghana Health Service website to update the citizenry on the cases involving the disease.

    According to him, www.ghanahealthservice.org/covid19, will provide a six-hourly-update on the status of possible COVID-19 cases that may occur

    According to him, www.ghanahealthservice.org/covid19, will provide a six-hourly-update on the status of possible COVID-19 cases that may occur.

    The information minister made this known during a press briefing on Sunday, March 15 in Accra.

    At the briefing, Director of Public Health at Ghana Health Service, Dr. Badu Sarkodie announced that 4 more cases have been recorded, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 6.

    According to him, 2 more cases, after Thursday’s, were confirmed on Friday March 13, 2020 – one from the Ashanti Region and the other from the Greater Accra Region.

    “The first is a 56-year-old Ghanaian who returned from a trip in the United Kingdom on the 4th of March. He stayed in the UK for 10 days. He developed symptoms on the 12th of March and reported to a health facility in Obuasi,” said Dr. Sarkodie.

    Samples, according to Badu Sarkodie, were taken from him and taken to the Kumasi Center for collaborative Research and the results returned positive.

    The second, he noted, is a woman, and a student. She travelled to the United States of Anerica, stayed there for about 10 days and returned to Ghana on the 10th of March.

    On the 13th of March, she started showing symptoms that later were confirmed to be compatible with the suspected case of COVID-19.

    Samples were taken, taken to Noguchi Memorial Medical Research Institute and emerged positive.

    The fifth and sixth cases were recorded on Saturday, late in the afternoon, from the Noguchi Memorial Medical Research.

    According to Dr. Sarkodie, the first is a 42-year-old Ghanaian male who returned to Ghana on the 8th of March. He had travelled to Switzerland and UK in the past 14 days.

    Symptoms started on the 9th of March and he reported to the health facility on the 14. After samples were tested, it was confirmed positive.

    The second case in this batch was a 41-year-old Ghanaian male. He reported to the Tema General Hospital on the 14th of March with fever and acute respiratory illness. He had travelled to Turkey and Germany within the past 14 days. Results from Noguchi came back positive.

    Both cases had no symptoms on arrival.

    Dr. Badu however assured that all four cases are stable and under observation. They are receiving treatment under isolation conditions.

    “This brings to a total of six confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ghana, there are no deaths and this is the situation as at March 14, 2020. All the 6 cases were imported into Ghana” He added.

  • Coronavirus doesnt affect only white men so be careful The Church of Pentecost to Ghanaians

    The Church of Pentecost has urged Ghanaians, especially its members to be on the lookout and take preventive measures after the country reported its first two cases of the deadly coronavirus.

    In a press release signed by their Chairman, Eric Nyamekye, the church directed all ministers, officers and church members to be cautious by following all precautionary measures spelt out by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Health Ministry to help fight the pandemic.

    “While admonishing and based on the statement made by the president, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his address to the nation on Friday, March 6 and Wednesday, March 11, 2020, that the fight against coronavirus which has been declared a global pandemic cannot be that of government alone, coupled with the two confirmed cases in Ghana which include a Ghanaian, we want you to understand and accept that the coronavirus does not affect only whites”.

    While having faith in God to heal the infected persons; the Norwegian and the Ghanaian who returned from Turkey to help curb the spread of the pandemic, Eric Nyamekye said: “let us continue to raise prayers to God who is able to heal those who have been infected, stop the spread and also help scientists come up with a vaccine”.

    Meanwhile, government has released a whopping $100 million to fight the coronavirus.

    Read below the full statement

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 4 more Coronavirus cases confirmed in Ghana

    Four more cases of the new Coronavirus have been confirmed in Ghana. This makes a total of 6 cases so far.

    The development was announced by Director of Public Health at Ghana Health Service, Dr. Badu Sarkodie during a press briefing on the current status of the country at the Information Ministry, Sunday, March 15, 2020.

    According to him, 2 more cases, after Thursday’s, were confirmed on Friday March 13, 2020 – one from the Ashanti Region and the other from the Greater Accra Region.

    “The first is a 56-year-old Ghanaian who returned from a trip in the United Kingdom on the 4th of March. He stayed in the UK for 10 days. He developed symptoms on the 12th of March and reported to a health facility in Obuasi,” said Dr. Sarkodie.

    Samples, according to Badu Sarkodie, were taken from him and taken to the Kumasi Center for collaborative Research and the results returned positive.

    The second, he noted, is a woman, and a student. She travelled to the United States of Anerica, stayed there for about 10 days and returned to Ghana on the 10th of March.

    On the 13th of March, she started showing symptoms that later were confirmed to be compatible with the suspected case of COVID-19.

    Samples were taken, taken to Noguchi Memorial Medical Research Institute and emerged positive.

    The fifth and sixth cases were recorded on Saturday, late in the afternoon, from the Noguchi Memorial Medical Research.

    According to Dr. Sarkodie, the first is a 42-year-old Ghanaian male who returned to Ghana on the 8th of March. He had travelled to Switzerland and UK in the past 14 days.

    Symptoms started on the 9th of March and he reported to the health facility on the 14. After samples were tested, it was confirmed positive.

    The second case in this batch was a 41-year-old Ghanaian male. He reported to the Tema General Hospital on the 14th of March with fever and acute respiratory illness. He had travelled to Turkey and Germany within the past 14 days. Results from Noguchi came back positive.

    Both cases had no symptoms on arrival.

    Dr. Badu however assured that all four cases are stable and under observation. They are receiving treatment under isolation conditions.

    “This brings to a total of six confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ghana, there are no deaths and this is the situation as at March 14, 2020. All the 6 cases were imported into Ghana” He added.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Ghana consulate in U.S. suspends services effective Mar 16

    Ghana’s consulate in New York in the United States of America will temporarily suspend its services effective March 16, over the coronavirus pandemic.

    In a press release sighted by myjoyonline.com, the consul explained that this is in line with the State of Emergency declared by President Donald Trump and State Governor of New York.

    However, to ensure uninterrupted services, the embassy said, “it will continue to provide online services for visa applications, attestation of documents, sale of dual citizenship forms and issuance letters.”

    According to the mission, there will be no submission on the counter, directing that all application is mailed to:

    The General Consulate
    19 East 47 Street
    New York, NY 10017

    Also suspended with immediate effect is the issuance of biometric passport applications “to minimise the spread of the disease through person-to-person contact.”

    The Ghana consulate in the U.S. said the measures are subject to review as and when it is appropriate to do so.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim

  • Coronavirus: Your safety in our banking halls assured CBG to customers

    The management of the Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) has assured all customers of the bank that their safety in various banking halls across the country is guaranteed in respect of the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country.

    A message from the management to the customers on Friday, March 13 said: “Dear Valued Customer, With the breaking news of COVID-19 in Ghana, CBG assures you that we are putting in place measures to ensure your health and safety in all our branches/ATMS and your comfort in doing business with us.CBG…We Stand With You.”

    Ghana has recorded her first two cases of coronavirus. The cases were confirmed on Thursday, 12 March 2020.

    They were brought in by two people who had returned to Ghana from Norway and Turkey. The cases were confirmed by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

    Health Minister, Dr. Kweku Agyemang-Manu, who broke the news at an emergency press conference on Thursday night, said the two patients have been quarantined and are stable.

    Meanwhile, some customers of banks have appealed to their bankers to make available hand sanitizers in their banking halls in order to protect their customers from the outbreak of the coronavirus infection.

    Adu Yaw, who told Laudbusiness.com Friday, March 13 that he is a customer of the Stanbic Bank said it is necessary for the banks to provide the sanitizers because some customers might forget to carry theirs along with them.

    This he said: “Will help in dealing with the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country.”

    Source: laudbusiness.com

  • GES directs all schools to suspend all public activities

    The Ghana Education Service (GES), has directed all educational institutions to suspend all public activities such as Speech and Prize Giving days until further directives are given by the Director-General.

    Meanwhile, the Management of the GES in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has developed educational materials on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease for onward distribution and use by all schools.

    The directive which was issued in Accra and signed by Professor Kwesi Opoku-Amankwa, the Director-General, Ghana Education Service, urged all Regional and District Educational Directors to ensure that Heads of Schools made the materials readily available to staff and students.

    It said Educational Directors were also expected to liaise with their respective Regional and District Health Directors to ensure smooth education campaigns in schools.

    It said the comprehensive COVID-19 Guidelines and Administrative Procedures for Schools jointly developed by the GHS and the GES for public awareness campaign in all schools across the country, entailed an introduction and background to the new disease outbreak, including its origin, cause, and the various steps being taking to halt the spread.

    The Guidelines also explained why people should be worried about COVID-19, pointing out that the disease has currently attained a pandemic dimension because it was spreading faster than it had been anticipated by the World Health Organisation (WHO), from the onset, with high death rates, and it was important that people appreciated the situation and act responsibly.

    The Guidelines described the mode of spread of COVID-19 and provided detailed education on the basic etiquettes such as covering of mouth when coughing, sneezing and spitting, and precautionary measures such as maintaining about two meters distance from an infected person.

    It stressed on frequent handwashing with soap under running water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and desisting from touching face, eyes or mouth with contaminated, hands as some preventive measures.

    It also emboldened the various signs and symptoms of the disease, which include fever and tiredness, running nose, cough, sore throat, muscle ache and breathing difficulties.

    The GES, therefore, advised all schools to collaborate with their District Education Offices to among other things, identify and establish a line of communication with the nearest local or district health facility, and also a Point of Contact in these facilities for emergency medical response.

    All school are also to have direct to the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator in their districts, and immediately organise a meeting with parents, School Management Committees and other stakeholders to provide sensitization.

    They were to keep large assemblies to a minimum and maintain social distancing, and in boarding schools, institute house-based health awareness meetings, where Hygiene education must be promoted and intensified.

    The GES also advised Heads of schools to immediately refer all symptoms of COVID-19, to a health facility, with follow-ups on the test results by heads of schools, so they could swiftly inform their District Directors of Education for a detailed report on the incident.

    The reports, it said, must contain the name of the school, number of students in the school, in the class, teachers, history of patient’s contact in the school and additional information that would be helpful to the district office.

    It said in case a person was confirmed to be infected with the disease, in a school or any education office, the flow of information shall be from the Heads of schools, or their designee to the district office.

    The information should include the nature of the is tuition and the impact on students, staff and facility where applicable, however in the event, the district received information of an outbreak in its jurisdiction, region or national, that may affect the school, such announcement must be made to the Head of the institutions of their designees.

    The statement said these required close coordination with the GES Headquarters on the next steps, and that the Service would follow closely the advice of the GHS and use its best judgment on school closures, should it become necessary to do so in the interest of public health.

    Source: GNA

  • Zanetor educates constituents on COVID-19

    The Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, Dr Zanetor Rawlings has been going round her constituency sensitising and providing her constituents with practical tips on how to minimise the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

    Dr Zanetor spoke to market women at Adabraka to avoid handshakes and cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze.

    She also went door-to-door with the same message.

    She later donated sanitary items to the Adabraka mosque.

    Meanwhile, Ghana has recorded two cases of COVID-19.

    The victims are a Ghanaian staff of the UNDP who flew in from Turkey and a Norwegian diplomat.

    Health Minister Dr Kweku Agyemang-Manu, who broke the news at an emergency press conference Thursday night, said the two patients have been quarantined and are stable.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Ghana consulate in US temporarily suspend services

    Ghana’s consulate in the United States of America will on Monday, March 16, 2020, suspend its services temporarily, over the coronavirus pandemic.

    A press release sighted by GhanaWeb explained that, the suspension is in line with the State of Emergency declared by US President Donald John Trump and State Governor of New York.

    However, the embassy stated, “it will continue to provide online services for visa applications, attestation of documents, sale of dual citizenship forms and issuance letters.”

    The mission noted, there will be no submission on the counter, directing all application(s) to be mailed to:

    The General Consulate
    19 East 47 Street
    New York, NY 10017

    With immediate effect, the Ghana Mission in the States has also suspended the issuance of biometric passport application(s) “to minimise the spread of the disease through person-to-person contact.”

    According to the Ghana consulate, these measures are subject to review as and when it is appropriate.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • It was God who allowed it to happen – Ghanaians on Coronavirus

    A cross-section of Ghanaians have expressed concern about the coronavirus, whilst some are scared others were optimistic that the impact would not be severe on the nation.

    This was after it was made known that two individuals have been infected with the virus.

    In view of the concern, many institutions have started to institute protective measures, which includes public education, usage of alcoholic hand sanitizers, washing of hands regularly and avoiding unnecessary body contacts.

    Dr Patience Anka, Traditional Herbal Practitioner at God is Love Detoxify Health Centre, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, advised that, food should be well cooked before eating and that “we should eat a lot of vegetables and fruits in order to be healthy”.

    She also urged the public to avoid handshakes and listen to the radio to get more updates on the virus.

    Alhaji Chief-Dawud Ibrahim of Madina Zongo, who is a driver, was superstitious claiming that since the virus currently has no-known cure, then “it was God who allowed it to happen”.

    He said we should intensify our prayers more that we are currently doing and God would save humanity.

    Mr Kofi Kissi, a coconut seller, said with the two reported cases in the country, there is the need to take issues of protection seriously.

    He commended government for the intervention in preparing the country against the disease.

    Mr Kingsford Ebenezer, mobile money vendor, suggested that government should prevent people from affected countries from entering to Ghana and also the borders should be under tight security.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: ‘We are not safe’ – Residents of Elubo lament

    Some irate residents of Elubo in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region have expressed fear and concern, following an outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic in Ghana.

    The residents who claim they are not safe, lamented the indiscriminate crossing of the Elubo border without proper checks and scrutiny.

    Elubo is the main border post between Ghana and La Cote D’Ivoire. It is also a cosmopolitan town dotted with different towns apart from Nzemas.

    On Thursday, March 12, 2020, Ghana confirmed two cases of COVID-19 the first incident to be reported in the country since the outbreak of the pandemic in China.

    Some residents who spoke to GhanaWeb’s Western Regional Correspondent Daniel Kaku, were still nervous and nursing fears as authorities in charge of the border’s operations of the border, they say, are still allowing travellers in without doing the adequate checks.

    The residents entreated management to establish checkpoints to screen especially neighbors from the French-speaking countries who always cross the border to the Elubo community and other parts of the country.

    According to the residents, these persons have a high tendency to import the disease from their countries if not checked.

    “What I want to say is that they should mount a canopy at the checkpoint so that whoever will come from La Cote DIvoire, will wash his or her hands because if you tell the French people not to touch us, still they will touch us”, they lamented.

    According to them, since Cote d’Ivoire had recorded one, they fear their citizens could touch them with the virus.

    They added, “Right now we have hand sanitizers to protect ourselves but our mothers at home do not have so it is possible to contract the pandemic and spread it”.

    “At Elubo border here, we are not safe because people can cross the border without proper checks, Elubo here we are not safe”, a lady fumed.

    Another angry lady said management at the border have failed to provide hand sanitizers to wash the hands of those who cross the border on daily basis

    She, therefore, appealed to government, to, as a matter of urgency, make hand sanitizers available at the Elubo border to protect them against the killer virus.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Nurses urged to leave Coronavirus isolation units if protective gears are not provided

    Nurses and Midwives have been advised by their mother association, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to leave isolation units if they are not supplied personal protective equipment by the government.

    The Association also urged the health workers to be on alert in the conduct of their daily routines in light of the outbreak of the 2019 Coronavirus.

    The Association in a release on Friday, March 13, 2020 said health officials must ensure that protective gears are made available to the nurses and midwives who will be on the frontline working in isolation units in the four designated treatment centres for Coronavirus in Ghana.

    “Nursing and Midwifery managers must ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are available for use by all nurses and midwives working in the isolation Units in the four designated treatment centers.”

    “In the event of unavailability of these logistics at the isolation centres, we strongly advise our nurses and midwives to protect their lives by removing themselves from that environment,” the statement said.

    While urging nurses and midwives to carry out their jobs professionally without panic, the Association said the public must remain calm and follow preventive guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Health.

    “We assure our stakeholders that the GRNMA is committed to supporting the national coordinated efforts to identify, manage, contain and prevent the spread of the virus,” the release said.

     

    Read the full statement below:

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Coronavirus: Refrain from communal hand washing CWSA urges Ghanaians

    A passionate call has been made for Ghanaians to adopt proper hand washing approaches and not engage in communal hand washing to help prevent the spread of the newly discovered pandemic COVID-19.

    “The act of washing your hands in one bowl as a group is not proper and can be more dangerous than not washing hands at all, as you will be introducing new viruses and sharing them through that common bowl in the name of proper hand washing”.

    Mrs. Theodora Adomako-Adjei, a Senior Extension Services officer of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) said this during a work-place prevention activity which provided hand washing water bowls for the institution to ensure the safety of its staff on the back of the COVID-19 outbreak.

    According to her, hand washing is the simplest thing to do but very difficult for people to practice adding that, we should not wait for crisis such as corona to be practicing correct hand washing.

    She bemoaned the attitude of Ghanaians regarding hand washing and cautioned that even though it is an effective intervention, if not timely, correctly and appropriately done, can resort to failure and create much more anxiety than we are currently experiencing.

    “We cannot run our hands under water and claim to have engaged in safe hand washing” she opined.

    In her outline of proper hand washing, she said, “get water and soap, wet your hands first to make sure to soak enough soap, apply the soap and ensure that you get a lot of bubbles, rub your hands together, wash between the fingers and finger nails as well as the back of your hands and rinse under clean running water .

    She sounded a note of caution that, after all these, if you decide to dry up your neatly washed hands with dirty contaminated towels, work done is nil as it is sure to be carrying home some viruses introduced by the dirty towel.

    Mrs. Adomako Adjei was however hopeful that with the right hygienic behaviors, approaches and practices, we can promote good health and urged other institutions to take the necessary steps to create a safe and enabling environment for their staff and clientele.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • ICGC suspends baptism over coronavirus

    The International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) has announced measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 at its various assemblies in Ghana.

    A circular issued by the General Secretary, Reverend Morris Appiah, to all pastors provided some guidelines and a short video to be played at all churches “to educate your congregation on the disease”.

    Among the precautionary measures contained in the circular are the suspension of water baptism by immersion and the avoidance of physical contacts including handshakes and hugs.

    Each church has also been directed to provide hand hygiene including making available sanitisers at entry points to auditoriums and other offices.

    Jointly used equipment such as microphones, musical instruments and offering baskets are to be sanitized regularly.

    Those who count offerings and serve communions are also to do so by wearing gloves.

    Washrooms are to be kept clean at all times.

    “Pastors should also make sure children and youth churches are included in any measure taken,” the circular noted.

    So far, two cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Ghana with authorities calling for social distancing.

     

    Source: 3news.com

  • GES/GHS take steps to curb Coronavirus outbreak

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) and Ghana Health Service have put in measures in all schools to prevent the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    The two agreed to organise sensitization meetings for all Regional and District Directors of Education, School Health Education Programme, Guidance and Counselling Coordinators, training officers, all Heads of Senior High Schools and Basic Schools as well as staff and students/pupils throughout the country.

    These were in a joint communique signed by Professor Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, the Director General of the Ghana Education Service, and Dr Patrick Kuma Aboagye, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service after a meeting on Friday, March 13.

    They will also distribute widely educational materials developed jointly by the Ghana Health Service and Ghana Education Service to all schools to facilitate education on the virus and intensity campaign on handwashing with soap under running water.

    “In the light of this, all schools are to be supported to provide ‘Veronica buckets’ and tippy taps and soaps made available to ensure that children wash their hands frequently.”

    It said a check-list on Rapid Assessment and Preparedness towards disease prevention is being developed and given out to schools to ensure that the necessary precautionary measures have been put in place.

    “Heads are to share regular updates on all activities in connection with the Coronavirus in in the schools with GHS and GES,” it said, adding that call centre lines have been made available for all schools to call in case the following signs were detected; coughing, running nose, sneezing and high temperature.

    The numbers are 0558439868 or 0509497700 or toll-free line 199, the statement added.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: Headteachers in Tamale ‘snub’ media for fear of GES victimization

    Headteachers in various government schools in the Tamale Metropolis have refused to speak to the media on measures they are putting in place to fight the outbreak of coronavirus which has become a pandemic.

    The reason for the hesitation, they noted was for fear of being queried by the Ghana Education Service (GES) over failure to secure permission first before attending to the media.

    Some of the teachers who spoke to GhanaWeb averred that they have been warned by the GES not to share any information with the media without their notice irrespective f the tenacity of the issue with the claim that they may tarnish the image of the government in the process.

    Out of four schools visited, three were government schools and the other, a private institution.

    However, a teacher who wants to remain anonymous, during the visit to the schools, noted that the institution has since January 2020 sanitized the students on the deadly coronavirus and the need for all to practice personal hygiene.

    Also, the school has made provision of water and soap for students to practice frequent handwashing while in school.

    The teacher also hinted of plans to provide hand sanitizers for students to help in the fight against the pandemic.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb 

  • GTA directs hospitality industries to start screening guests

    Mr Akwesi Agyemang, the Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has directed all tourism and hospitality industries to immediately start screening all guests before giving them access to their facilities.

    He said this was one of several measures by the GTA to ensure the industry was well protected against the deadly coronavirus.

    At a meeting with industry players, in Accra, Mr Agyemang said although the industry had been badly hit by the outbreak, the Authority would continue to ensure that everyone was very well protected to continue their businesses without fear and panic.

    “The hospitality and tourism industry is very sensitive and any little spur of fear and panic would hit the industry badly.”

    Mr Agyemang said already the industry had seen a lot of cancellations of bookings into hotels, airlines that are shutting down, empty seats, and people not visiting sites.

    “We have already seen a certain trend over the last few weeks and its worrying but based on the reassuring that we have from the Ghana Health Service and especially given the strong statement by the President we feel emboldened with the educational drive within the industry.”

    He called on operators of tourism facilities not to be scared but take care and at every public area ensure there was open display of messages printed and pasted on precautions to be taken as the Ghana Health Service has advised.

    “We are asking all hotels to ensure that in the hotel rooms these messages are boldly displayed and there are sanitised and other washing equipment that is available for people to wash their hands and avoid hand shakes.”

    Mr Agyemang said in the area of the restaurant and kitchen they have to wear protective gear and tourism establishments must get the testing guns to test temperatures and the general health of staff.

    “Per the regulations that we have the staff has to have certain health certifications by the various assemblies and from now we are going to enforce that because they are the front liners and have to ensure they are safe.”

    He said they were very confident in the measures that government had taken and were assured of the readiness of the country to tackle this situation going forward.

    “Coming at the very successful end of the year of return, this is the time that we are picking up the pieces for the beyond the return. As more countries put out travel restrictions and get infected, definitely the impact would be felt.”

    “We are monitoring, globally there have been a negative 63 per cent cancellations of hotel flights and about 34 of hotel bookings and that tells you that we need to prepare.”

    Mr Adnan Yucel, the General Manager, Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, said since the outbreak they had had a lot of cancellations, particularly from international companies.

    “We are supposed to have some IMF, World Bank, UNDP and some United States related meetings, but they were all suddenly cancelled. Lots of cancellations from now through to May, which could have earned the facility hundreds and thousands of US dollars, which has affected us dramatically,” he said.

    Mr Yucel said they were trying to take some precautions and hope that they could bounce back to their normal track by May or June.

    Source: GNA

  • Dont sell fake oil to cure Covid-19 – Prophets warned

    The General Secretary for Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Rev. Emmanuel T Barrigah has warned pastors to desist from selling fake oils in the bid to deceive people it could cure COVID-19.

    He urged Ghanaians to be very careful of pastors who sell fake oils to them in the name of curing the deadly disease.

    “Do not allow some prophets to deceive you by selling to you fake oils. Br vigilant, but do not panic. Do not believe anyone who proclaims to have an anointing oil that cures the disease? We should all follow the preventive measures approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO)”.

    He asked the public to report such prophets for the law to deal with them.

    He was worried that the majority of such prophets are not members of the council.

    Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, he said, they have written to more than 200 member churches to educate their members on how to prevent COVID 19.

    He stressed on the need for them to avoid unnecessary handshakes, applying hand sanitizers often and also providing washing basins in every church.

    However, he urged Ghanaians to deal with the outbreak of the coronavirus with calmness, vigilance, trust in the Lord and pray to prevent the disease.

    The General Secretary ended by stressing on the need for Ghanaians to maintain the basic principles of hygiene to maintain good health life.

     

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Ghana to confirm third suspected coronavirus case in Kumasi

    JoyNews sources reveal that Ghana will be announcing its third suspected case of COVID-19.

    The suspected sufferer, who works with a mining company, is said to have returned to the Kotoka International Airport after a trip abroad this week and flew to Obuasi by helicopter.

    According to the sources, upon arrival at the airport, he looked sick and would not allow anyone to even touch his bag.

    He, however, reported himself to a health facility in Kumasi where a series of tests were conducted. He is said to have tested positive.

    The sufferer is reportedly under quarantine receiving treatment and undergoing medical observation.

    Head of JoyNews‘ Fred Smith says government is expected to make an official announcement on the development.

    More soon…

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • Coronavirus: John Dumelo shares over 2300 hand sanitisers to Legon and GIMPA students

    Following the two confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ghana, demand for hand sanitizers has increased.

    John Dumelo, Parliamentary candidate at Ayawaso West Wuogon has shared hand sanitizers in two Tertiary Institutions in the constituency.

    The National Democratic Congress  candidate visited some Halls in the University of Ghana to distribute hand sanitizers to the students.

    He went to the Ghana Institute Of Management & Public Administration, GIMPA to share some of the sanitizers.

    In a post on Twitter, John Dumelo revealed that he shared over 2300 hand sanitizers at the campuses of University of Ghana and GIMPA in the morning of Friday 13th March 2020.

    source; ghsplash.com

  • Coronavirus: Nigerian lady confirms death of cousin who is a doctor in London

    If you think that being a Nigerian, an African or black makes you immune to the now spreading and dreaded coronavirus, then you may just have been lying to yourself.

    A young Nigerian lady, Ayishat Akanbi, has confirmed the death of her cousin, who is a medical doctor.

    Ayishat said her cousin died in London after suffering from the effect of the virus that has affected over 120,000 and caused thousands of deaths across the world.

    Coronavirus: Nigerian lady confirms death of cousin who is a doctor in London

    Ayishat Akanbi says she lost her cousin to coronavirus in London Credit: Great British Speakers
    Source: UGC

    “My cousin who is a doctor and in her early 30s died of coronavirus this morning for anyone irresponsible enough to think black people are immune,”she said with many of her followers asking her to remain strong and praying for the dead.

    Baba NostraAdeptus, one of those who consoled Ayishat, said he had been screaming since the day it was claimed that it was only the elderly and those with other ailments that could have a fatal effect of the disease.

    YEN had quoted a report by the Guardian as indicating that a 64-year-old Nigerian, Okunuga Olumide Saraju, was found dead in his home in Modena, Italy, where he lived alone.

    According to the report, Okunuga, a native of Ikenne in Ogun state and president of Egbe Omo Yoruba in Emilia Romagna region, was found dead at about 11 am on Tuesday, March 10, at his home.

    The report said there were suspicions that he may have died of coronavirus infection, a disease that has ravaged Italy in the past few weeks.

    Meanwhile, an 86-year-old man and his 82-year-old wife have died after living together for 60 years. Their love remained strong even at the point of their demise.

    The duo died after battling with coronavirus, the pandemic that is spreading across the world and that has affected over 120,000 people.

    One of them died at 9.15 am on Tuesday, March 10, while the other followed at 11am, just one hour, 45 minutes apart.