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Tag: Social distancing

  • Mpox: Ghana records 4 new cases – GHS

    Mpox: Ghana records 4 new cases – GHS

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed four new cases of Mpox, bringing the country’s total number of infections to 1,062.

    The public health body announced this in a statement on its official X handle on Tuesday, April 14.

    According to the GHS, the new cases add to the previously recorded 1,058 infections.

    “Four new cases recorded, bringing the total confirmed cases to 1,062,” the statement noted.

    The Service urged the public to protect themselves and others by maintaining good hygiene and promptly reporting symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and tiredness.

    “If you notice any of these symptoms, visit the nearest health facility immediately,” the statement added.

    In a related development, months earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) supported Ghana’s response to the Mpox outbreak with a donation of essential medical supplies and public health materials to the Ministry of Health.

    During a brief ceremony, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Yakub Janabi, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s public health response and commended the country’s leadership in managing the outbreak.

    The donation, valued at $36,700, included personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline health workers, 780 GeneXpert cartridges to enhance diagnostic capacity, and 9,000 risk communication posters along with 40 pull-up banners to support community sensitization.

    The PPE is expected to strengthen infection prevention and control measures, while the GeneXpert cartridges will enable faster and more accurate testing, especially at decentralized levels. The communication materials are aimed at improving public awareness and encouraging behavioural change.

    The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who received the items on behalf of the government, expressed gratitude to the WHO for its continued support.

    He noted that Ghana is keen to incorporate vaccines into its response strategy and called on the WHO to expedite assistance in that regard.

    He also urged the public to maintain good hygiene practices and seek early medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, or skin rashes.

    Health officials explain that Mpox spreads mainly through direct contact with an infected person. Common symptoms include fever, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes.

    The GHS has advised the public to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, practice regular handwashing, avoid frequent face-touching, and use masks when caring for infected persons.

    The Service added that it is actively monitoring the outbreak, conducting contact tracing, and intensifying public education efforts with support from regional health directorates.

    Also, to strengthen the response, the WHO has also provided laboratory PCR reagents to boost Ghana’s diagnostic capacity. The supplies were handed over to the GHS at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory.

    Receiving the items, Acting Deputy Director-General, Caroline Reindorf Amissah, expressed appreciation for the continued support.

    “We will continue to collaborate and actively search for cases to ensure the outbreak is brought under control,” she said.

    WHO Country Representative, Fiona Braka, noted that the reagents will support rapid diagnosis and timely public health interventions.

    The supplies can test up to 3,400 suspected samples, while additional kits will allow clade determination for 625 confirmed cases.

    Historically, Mpox was first identified in 1958 in monkeys used for research in Denmark. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    According to the WHO, the disease has since remained endemic in parts of Central, East, and West Africa, with periodic outbreaks reported globally.

  • Social welfare must be reorganised to fight domestic violence Former Director

    A former Director of the Department of Social Welfare, Herbert Kokui Mensah is calling on the government to reorganised to enable it effectively deal with domestic violence and other related issues.

    According to him, reorganizing and resourcing the department will better equip it to handle the the issues.

    He lamented that the department has been neglected for a very long time, making it difficult for it to deal with its responsibilities.

    His call comes on the back of recent reports of deaths of victims of domestic violence in the country. The development has drawn some attention to the many issues confronting the department and making its work ineffective.

    Mr. Mensah who was speaking to Accra-based Citi Fm said a reorganized Social welfare department will help reduce domestic violence in the country.

    “It is very important that we think about family and the role the family plays in the welfare of society. We have what we call the society of social workers but we are inadequately supported.”

    “I think now we are reorganizing the whole services of the government, social welfare must to be attended to deal with recent issues of violence.”

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Social Distancing Challenges: EC institutes queue management system

    The Electoral Commission has initiated a queue management system at its registration centres to prevent overcrowding and the breach of anti -COVID-19 social distancing rules by anxious applicants seeking to acquire their Voters Identification card.

    A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency explained that under the queue management system, the first 150 applicants who arrived at the Registration Centres would be provided with numbered chits.

    The first half of this number, it said, would be served from morning to early afternoon; while the second half would be asked to leave the centres and return in the afternoon when the registration of the first batch would have been completed.

    The statement said it would continue to review and improve upon the processes to ensure citizens registered in a safe and secure environment.

    “The Commission believes that this system will go a long way towards reducing overcrowding and long queues and help with the enforcement of social distancing protocols at the Centres,” it said.

    The statement reiterated that the Commission would ensure that citizens who qualified were afforded the opportunity to register and cast their votes.

    “We encourage constructive feedback from the general public, which is aimed at improving the Registration Exercise, which is already motion,” it said.

    The EC is seeking to register about 16 million Ghanaians from June 30 to August 06, under a cluster system at 33,367 polling stations nationwide.

    Though the process has been progressing smoothly, the lack of effective management of applicants outside the registration perimeter has been a challenge, leading to overcrowding at some of the centres.

    Source: GNA

     

  • Don’t limit social distancing protocol to the lecture halls – UMaT VC

    Professor Jerry S. Y. Kuma, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa has cautioned students to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 protocols.

    This he mentioned as social distancing, the use of face masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

    He added that social distancing should not only be practised at the lecture halls, but also at the various halls of residence and walking with colleagues since some people may have the virus.

    He disclosed that the University had put in place stringent precautionary measures in place to ensure that no student was infected with COVID-19 after the completion of their studies and examinations during the period they would be on Campus.

    Mr Kuma who made the call in an interview to outline measures the University had put in place to protect the lives of students and staff with the Ghana News Agency at his office also appealed to the students to be alert at all times to avoid the disease on campus.

    On his part, the Registrar of UMaT, Mr. Matthew Okrah, touching on the safety protocols put in place said students would be required to wash their hands after their temperatures were taken before they would be allowed entry into the classroom and the library at all times, while persons found to have high temperatures would be referred to the UMaT Clinic immediately.

    He indicated that all lecturers and students shall wear their nose masks at all times, both in class and out of class while observing social distancing at all lecture rooms.

    According to the Registrar, the University campus would continue to remain closed to students who were not in their final year, while no student would be allowed to receive visitors on Campus.

    He further stated that the Security Unit would ensure that there were no mass gatherings on campus.

    He, therefore, assured students, parents, guardians and the public that the safety of all members of the University community would be prioritized and advised them to take the necessary precautionary measures outlined in the University notices and information on COVID-19.

    Source: GNA

  • Social distancing still a major problem in Savannah Region – Minister

    The Minister for Savannah Region, Adam Salifu Braimah has said that the observation of social distancing is still a major problem.

    He explained that churches in the region have no problem complying with the protocols but called for an intense education for Muslims in the communities who still gather in the mosques to pray, attend weddings, naming and funeral ceremonies in large numbers which is against the basic protocols put in place by the government.

    The Minister who made these comments when he addressed a Press Conference at the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council in Damongo on June 18, 2020, also called on the media to educate the populace.

    He mentioned the Savannah Regional capital Damongo and Salaga as the major towns in the region that keeps defying the Coronavirus protocols adding that “we are counting so much on the media to educate our people especially Muslims because they are the people who go contrary to some of these things. God is everywhere”.

    The Savannah Region Minister said the region has recorded 34 new cases of COVID-19 bringing the total number to 35 with the laboratory confirmation of the cases done on 14th June 2020.

    He said 18 out of the 34 cases were recorded in Salaga in the East Gonja Municipality with the remaining 16 cases also recorded in Buipe in the Central Gonja district of the Savannah Region.

    He further said the Savannah Regional Health Directorate embarked on enhanced surveillance leading to the collection of sputum samples from clients who he described asymptomatic.

    Hon. Braimah explained that the results of the affected persons were communicated to them leading to the victims undergoing self-isolation in their various homes whilst contact tracing and sputum collection is ongoing at the two affected districts by the rapid response teams fully supported by their district assemblies which have led to the tracing of some 30 contacts so far.

    The minister urged the people of the Savannah Region to adhere to the basic principles of preventing the spread of COVID-19. He appealed to the media to help in the education of the people especially the market centers which people from all walks of life gather for business purposes.

    He said again that the region has so far been able to put in place 3 isolation centers in Damongo, Salaga and Bole with each center capable of receiving more than 30 persons.

    Meanwhile, the Savannah Regional Minister disclosed during the media briefing that some Personal Protective equipment has been sent to tertiary schools in the municipality which have reopened.

    The Director of Health Services for the Savannah region, Dr. Kubio said those affected even though show no signs and symptoms, they can still transmit the disease to other persons in the region, leading to self-isolation of the people.

    He also urged the people to abide by the protocols put in place to help fight the disease in the region.

     

    Source: nkilgifmonline.com

  • Metro mass transit buses not observing social distancing

    Metro Mass Transit buses operating from ‘Kufuor station’ at Ashaiman has stopped observing social distancing as authorities now load to full capacity.

    A conductor of one of the buses told the Ghana News Agency that it was a directive from above for them to revert to loading full even though all commercial vehicles were directed by the President to observe social distancing in their vehicles to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

    She said all passengers were informed before loading and whoever was not agreement was not given access to the bus.

    The GNA observed that all buses loaded at the station on last Friday were fully loaded as seats which took one a passenger during the compliance to social distancing, now had two passengers.

    Madam Abigail Nartey, a trader who boarded one of the buses on Friday morning, refused to allow anyone to sit by her, saying coronavirus was real therefore the need for management to strictly obey the social distancing directive.

    Mr Samuel Adjei, another passager who was going to Accra, also confronted the driver on the issue, according to the driver, their management said they were running at a loss and therefore the need to resume their normal activities of loading the bus to its original capacity.

    Mr George Krobea Asante, Head of Corporate Communication at MMT, who took almost a week to respond to the issue, said “Management had served a stern warning to the operational crew at the various terminals on non-compliance with the social distancing protocol following some reports they received on such happenings at some of their terminals.

    “Management will not countenance any act of negligence and indiscipline that has the tendency of putting the image of the company into disrepute and that anyone found culpable under our investigation shall be severely dealt with”.

    He added that Management had issued an operational directive to reemphasize the need to observe all the safety protocols in all the 16 depots and loading terminals across the country saying “management remains very committed to fighting and helping to prevent the spread of this deadly COVID 19 pandemic”.

    Source: GNA

  • MTN reassures customers of its commitment to adherence of health protocols in Covid-19 fight

    MTN Ghana has reassured the public that it is committed to the adherence of the general health protocols established to minimize the spread of the Covid-19 disease.

    It said all its offices, shops and service centres across the country have been on high alert to ensure full compliance with all Covid-19 protocols issued by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

    Whilst focusing on ensuring the provision of reliable services in a safe environment, the company says it has taken note of the concerns raised by its sector Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, about the sitting arrangement at the outdoor “overflow area” of its Dansoman Zodiac Branch.

    “MTN Ghana sincerely apologizes to the customers and the public for the incident.

    “MTN has taken immediate steps to ensure the enhancement of measures already put in place to stem the dangers associated with the congregation of customers outside our service centres to prevent this situation from happening again.

    “We would like to reassure the public and Government of our full commitment to the fight against Covid-19,” MTN Ghana said in a press release Wednesday.

    According to the company, at the onset of the outbreak of the disease in the country and until date, it has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

    MTN Ghana was among the pioneers to immediately make the use of hand sanitisers and temperature checks mandatory at all its premises.  The company also decongested the offices and service centres to limit the number of people inside at any given point in time.

    “We also implemented “Work from Home” initiatives for the safety of our staff very early on as we assessed the risks Covid-19 posed. Extra chairs have also been made available outside of MTN branches to accommodate the extra number of people who cannot sit in the main branch.

    “MTN has also opened some of the branches which were initially closed to accommodate customer needs while observing strict protocols to ensure the safety of our staff and customers,” it said.

    MTN Ghana said it will continue to review its operations in the midst of the pandemic with the view of protecting customers and staff whilst enhancing customer experience.

    These measures include the continuous training of staff to enable them to deal with the unique circumstances we face currently, the provision of chairs in waiting areas that conform to social distancing and mandatory mask protocols outside of our service centres and within, and the provision of more signages to support customers.

    MTN continues said it will continue to engage and encourage its customers to transact with us through our digital channels and make full use of its mobile money agents for financial transactions.

    “Our digital channels include MyMTN App, Skype, emails, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Customers can also call the 24-hour contact centre on 100 for assistance at any given time.

    “MTN Ghana would like to assure all stakeholders that it is a good corporate citizen of Ghana and will stay committed to the fight against COVID-19,” it said.

     

     

  • Social distancing rule: We’re not stubborn, our space to operate is limited – GUTA

    The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has explained why most markets are overcrowded with people even though there is a directive for all to practice social distancing, at all times, as part of the precautionary measures to fight Coronavirus.

    According to the Association’s president, Dr. Joseph Obeng, market women in Ghana operate in a confined environment hence, making it difficult for traders to practice the social distancing rule.

    He complained that the nature of their business at these enclosed spaces makes them more exposed to the virus, ruling out claims that traders are perverse.

    His comments come after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his last address to the nation lauded supermarkets for practicing the precautionary measures outlined by the GHS.

    He called on market women to follow the stringent measures put in place by the supermarkets and also force their clienteles to do same.

    But Dr Obeng in an interview with GhanaWeb said, “We are very much exposed because our nature of doing business here is not like the advanced country where they have the bigger spaces…we are confined in a limited space”.

    Speaking on suggestions that traders should run shifts, the GUTA president said such a system when introduced will be at a disadvantage to many as there wouldn’t be a fair representation of who goes to the market.

    However, he advised his members to try their best to comply with all the precautionary measures outlined by the Ghana Health Service while working in the limited space to stay alive to be in businesses.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

     

  • Bishop Borngreat, 21 others granted bail

    The Ashaiman Circuit Court presided over by Mrs Agnes Opoku-Barnieh has granted bail to Bishop Eric Borngreat Aboagye and 21 others who were charged for flouting the ban on social gathering in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19.

    Bishop Eric Borngreat Aboagye who had an arrest warrant imposed on him by the Ashaiman District Court last week, reported himself to the Ashaiman Divisional Police on Monday, May 4, 2020 and was rearrested by the police and arraigned.

    He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of GH c 20,000 with 2 sureties. All the other suspects except the two juveniles were also granted bail in the sum of GH c 20,000 each with two sureties.

    The juveniles were admitted to bail in the sum of GH c 10,000 with two sureties. If convicted they will be sent to the juvenile court for sentencing.

    The case has been adjourned to May 19, 2020.

    Prosecution

    Police Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akwasi Ahenkorah Afrifa, informed the court that on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 Bishop Eric Borngreat Aboagye and his congregants numbering over 50 held a church service at the Heavens Life Global Church at Lebanon School Junction at Ashaiman.

    He said a joint police and taskforce team from the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly, who pick information the prayer service which was contrary to the Imposition of Restrictions Act, (Act 1012) has been in force since March 15, as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

    He said Bishop Aboagye escaped and fled from the church premises on sighting a joint police and taskforce team from the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (AshMA) who were moving in to enforce the law.

    However, members of the taskforce, however, managed to arrest some of the congregants who were handed over to the police who arraigned them before the Ashaiman District Court last Thursday, April, 30, 2020.

    The Ashaiman District Court issued an a warrant for the arrest of Bishop Aboagye, however on Monday, May 4, 2020, the religious leader reported himself to the Ashaiman Divisional Police and was rearrested by the police, charged and arraigned before the Circuit Court which has jurisdiction to handle the matter.

    Disclosure

    Counsel for Bishop Aboagye, and 18 other accused persons, Mr George Ahadzia requested for the disclosure of statements made by the accused persons to the police when they were arrested, which was upheld by the court.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Tamale: Seven arrested for failing to comply with ban on public gathering

    The Northern Regional Police has arrested seven persons in Tamale for failing to comply with the restrictions imposed on public gathering by operating and patronising a drinking spot.

    They are Baba Sheriff Aloboba, 32; Adongo Ishmael, 19; Mark Derrick Azure, 19; Sunday Okeke, 43; Lambongang Paroka, 20, Lardi Adongo, 41 and Benjamin Ayeebo, 32.

    The Northern Regional Crime Officer, Superintendent (Supt), Mr Kwabena Otuo Acheampong who made this known to the media in Tamale said the suspects were arrested at the Sarafina Bar near the police headquarters in Tamale last Saturday, May 2, 2020 at about 8.30pm.

    He said all the suspects were put before the Tamale District Magistrate Court on Monday, May 4, 2020 and have since been granted bail pending further investigations.

    Background

    All drinking bars in the Tamale metropolis have been closed following the ban imposed on social gathering.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Dont come out and gather unnecessarily Health Minister

    The Health Minister has advised Ghanaians to refrain from unnecessarily breaching the social distancing directive set in place by government as a measure against the spread of the coronavirus.

    According to him, just as other countries have set in place social distancing protocols to contain the pandemic, it is imperative that Ghanaians also adhere to the order to produce the desired effect.

    Speaking at a press briefing Tuesday, the Minister encouraged Ghanaians to stay at home until it was urgent to go out.

    Agyeman-Manu also mentioned that proper personal hygiene practices should continue to be adhered to stop the spread of the virus.

     

    Source: Cornerlis Kweku Affre  

  • Ursula Owusu shuts down MTN office at Dansoman for flouting social distancing rule

    The Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has shut down the MTN office at Dansoman Zodiac for failing to adhere to precautionary measures to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), especially the social distancing rule.

    The Minister who happened to pass in front of the office observed the operators did not put measures in place to ensure social distancing.

    Infuriated by their disrespect to the social distancing rule, she stopped them from operating with immediate effect.

    In a Facebook post by the Minister, she stated that the office will not be allowed to operate till they have better arrangements in place.

    “This is the scene at the MTN office at Dansoman Zodiac right now. Absolutely no respect for social distancing. They have been shut down and will not be allowed to operate till they have better arrangements in place. Reputable corporate organizations like this should not be flouting the law and creating conditions for the virus to spread,” she wrote.

    In a second post, the Minister cautioned other communications sector to take note of her action and comply or face similar actions.

    “Social distancing wahala for MTN… I just happened to be passing by enroute to my office in the constituency and came upon the crowd outside their zodiac office. Shut them down. Other communications sector companies better take note and comply or else!! As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!!,” she wrote.

    Source: Atinka Online

  • Okada riders defy social gathering ban to bury dead colleague

    Commercial Motorbike riders popularly known as Okada riders in Pokrom, a farming Community in Akuapem South District on Monday Morning flouted the public gathering restriction order by trooping to bury a deceased colleague.

    The Okada riders numbering over 35 were seen ridding roughly in the community and in procession heading to the cemetery for the burial without observing social distancing principles.

    The deceased Okada rider reportedly died in a fatal accident.

    Amaadi Daniel Ahwireng Assembly Member for the area said the Unit Committee members in the community have been trying to restrict the riders but to no avail.

    Eastern Region has recorded 30 new Confirmed cases of Coronavirus as of May 2, 2020.

    Fanteakwa North, Denkyembour, Akuapem North, Lower Manya Krobo, Nsawam, and Asuogyaman Districts have known districts that have recorded cases of Covid-19 in the region.

    The latest update by GHS indicate a surge in the Covid-19 cases in Ghana has risen to 2169 with 18 deaths and 225 recoveries.

    Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, President of Ghana Akufo Addo has imposed restriction on public gathering. Private burials are however allowed with people numbering not less than 25.

     

    Source: Starr FM

  • Oseadeyo Kwasi Akuffo II is new Okuapehene

    34-year-old Odehye Kwadwo Kesse has finally completed all customary rites and has ascended the Ofori Kumah Stool as the new Okuapehene with the stool name, Oseadeyo Kwasi Akuffo II.

    He succeeds the late Oseeadeyo Addo Dankwa III who died in 2015 after being on the throne for over 41 years.

    After going through the various installation processes last Friday, May 1, the new Okuapehene was sworn-in on Sunday at a closed-door ceremony under tight security with respect to the public gathering and social distancing law.

    All five Divisional Chiefs of Akuapem including Adonteng, Gyaase, Kronti, Nifa and Benkum were present at the ceremony where the new Okuapehene swore his oath to them and they also swore their allegiance to him as tradition demands.

    Since 2015 after the demise of the late Okuapehene, Oseadeyo Addo Dankwa III, fierce litigation over who to succeed him ensued round the Ofori Kumah Stool.

    While the Abrewatia of Sakyiabea Royal House, whose turn it was to nominate a successor to the stool, had nominated then Odehye Kwadwo Kesse to the kingmakers, the Okuapehemea (Queen mother) had unilaterally appointed her preferred candidate from the same Sakyiabea House and installed him as Chief.

    Uncomfortable with the development, the Abrewatia, Madam Lily Nana Agyeman petitioned the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs to ascertain whether or not it is the Okuapehemea who should nominate a candidate to the throne.

    After three years of legal tussle, the Judicial Committee of the Regional House of Chiefs ruled that it is the Abrewatia of every Royal House who has the mandate to nominate a candidate to the Ofori Kumah Stool and not the Queen mother.

    The Judicial Committee, therefore, annulled the Queen’s choice and ordered him never to parade himself anywhere as Chief of Akuapem.

    Following the judgement given, majority of the kingmakers of Akuapem, eight in number, went ahead to start traditional processes and installed the Abrewatia’s candidate, Kwadwo Kesse, as the next Okuapehene on Friday, May 1.

    Subsequently on Sunday, May 3, the new Okuapehene was sworn-in, under the stool name Oseeadeyo Kwasi Akuffo II, in the presence of all personalities who matter in the Akuapem chieftaincy.

    In his short address after the swearing of oaths, the new Okuapehene, Oseadeyo Kwasi Akuffo II, called for unflinching support from his Elders and the Divisional Chiefs.

    He contended that as young as he is, he could not reign successfully without the support, directions and guidance of his Elders.

    Oseadeyo Nana Kwasi Akuffo II said he would subject himself to the needed counsels and experiences from the Elders and would work hard at restoring unity and to advance development for Okuapeman.

    He completed his senior high school education at the Presbyterian Boys SHS, Legon after which he went to further his education abroad. He currently holds a degree in Business Administration from the Westchester Community College, Valhalla in New York.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Police unclear about charging Akuapem chiefs for defying ban on public gatherings

    Police in the eastern region are unclear about charging chiefs who flouted law restricting social distancing directives to install the new paramount chief of Akuapem.

    The police are yet to take a decision on the chiefs who were arrested and granted bail last Friday.

    The Akropong District Police Commander, Stephen Tetteh told Joy News he is not certain when the case will be dealt with.

    The police in the region arrested 18 persons persons over the weekend in separate incidents for violating the ban on social distancing.

    On Friday, April 1, the Akropong district police command apprehended four chiefs for their roles in the installation of the new Akuapehene, Oseadeyo Kwesi Akuffo.

    The chiefs, according to the police disregarded the ban on public gatherings and social distancing directives.

    The police a day after the arrest of the chiefs also apprehended 14 persons for performing puberty rites at Sawer, a suburb of Somanya for same offences.

    For breaching the same ban on social gatherings, they will be put before court on Tuesday, May 5.

    But the police are not certain when the Akropong suspects will be charged and prosecuted.

    Explaining their rationale, Superintendent Stephen Tetteh said, “they are chiefs and have a huge following so if we are not careful the situation will get out of hands”.

    However, the Somanya District Police boss, DSP Isaac Otsin, told Joy News, the Somanya suspects would be put before court on May , 5.

     

    Source: myjoyonline

  • 14 arrested for flouting ban on social gathering over Dipo

    14 suspects arrested for performing puberty rites (Dipo) in Sawer, a suburb of Somanya in the Eastern Region will be arraigned before court today for flouting the ban on social gatherings.

    The 14 are said to have gathered in a house to perform the rites despite the Presidential ban on all forms of gatherings.

    The suspects include Samuel Lawer Opata, 85, Rebecca Tetteh, 70, Esther Korkor, 45, Vivian Amish, 45, Grace Tetteh, 40, Bernice Tetteh, 38, and Mercy Opata, 35.

    The rest are Tetteh Victoria, 13, Comfort Ayiki, 14, Ernestina Owusu, 17, Aboagye Precious, 15, Florence Ellie, 16, Nartey Eunice, 40 and Lovelace Emmanuel Odonkor, 70.

    According to Eastern regional Police PRO, DSP Ebenezer Tetteh the suspects have been cautioned, charged, and granted bail to appear before the Somanya District Magistrate Court today, May 4, 2020.

    Source: ABCNewsgh.com

  • Drinking spots in Konongo defy Akufo-Addos ban on social gathering

    The Independent Ghana is reliably informed, drinking spots/bars in Konongo in the Asante Akyem North Municipal Assembly of the Ashanti Region, have gone against orders by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as they operate drinking spots in the municipality.

    According to the gentleman who hails from Konongo and  spoke to The Independent on condition of anonymity, even though people are not patronizing these spots in huge numbers, due to the fear of contracting the deadly Coronavirus, all drinking spots are functioning.

    He authoritatively indicated, as at Saturday May 2, 2020, when he visited some drinking spots in Ahenebronum, a suburb in Konongo, all were busy, without practicing any of the COVID-19 protocols to that effect.

    It will be recalled, the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in accordance to Executive Instrument 64 on March 15, 2020, banned all forms of social gatherings including church services, funerals (unless it is a private funeral with no more than 25 people), weddings, night clubs, etc.

    He also placed a partial lockdown on Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi, Tema and Kasoa, as a containment measure to prevent or slow down a further spread of the virus.

    Although the partial lockdown imposed on various parts in the country has been lifted, all other orders including social gatherings are still in full force, including operating of beaches and drinking spots.

    President Akufo-Addo made this known during his 8th address to the nation on Sunday, April 26, 2020.

    The extension came into full force on Monday, April 27, 2020, at 1:00 am, and reiterated that the decision followed a strong consensus from some stakeholders in the country.

    “The strong consensus that emerged from these and other consultations is that the existing measures must be maintained for now, until we have a firm grip on the movement of the virus. This consensus is supported by data and science, and I am also very much of this view. I have, accordingly, by Executive Instrument, extended for another two (2) weeks the suspension of all public and social gatherings, as set out in E.I 64 of 15th March 2020, effective tomorrow, 1 am, Monday, 27th April.

    As at now, schools and borders remain closed and as has also urged all Muslims to pray at home during the month of Ramadan.

    The Ministry of Health also issued a directive for Ghanaians to wear masks in public places to prevent the spread of the virus but all these are not properly adhered to by patrons of drinking spots in the Konongo Municipality.

    The Independent is therefore appealing to appropriate authorities to do what is needful to avoid an outbreak of COVID-19 in Konongo.

    Meanwhile, our source has given credit to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the district for ensuring strict social distancing protocols in market places, mandatory wearing of face masks and the presence of hand washing facilities.

    The Independent is also informed that the weekly market day, every Tuesday, is conducted by directing traders to come in turns. That way, the issue of congestion in the market is a thing of the past.

     

    Source: backend.theindependentghana.com| Maame Agyeiwaa Agyei

  • Pogba names Manchester United’s Bailly as ideal isolation buddy

    Paul Pogba has admitted that Eric Bailly would be the ideal person to be stuck in quarantine with because his Manchester United colleague makes him “laugh all day long”, while also expressing his desire to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.

    Pogba was approaching a comeback from a long-term injury lay-off when the season was called to a temporary halt on March 13 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    The French playmaker underwent surgery on an ankle issue back in January, and has only featured in eight matches in all competitions for the Red Devils this term.

    All of United’s players and staff are taking in a period of self-isolation at the moment, which has forced Pogba to continue his recovery from home and follow fitness programmes sent via video calls and email.

    The 27-year-old World Cup winner has revealed that he keeps in regular contact with all of his team-mates, but misses Bailly the most due to his unique sense of humour.

    “I spoke with Eric, I spoke with Andreas [Pereira], I spoke with Victor [Lindelof], I spoke with Juan [Mata], Jesse [Lingard]… we all talk, we send messages and stuff like this,” Pogba told MUTV.

    “We keep in touch and we see everyone [on screen].

    “If I had to isolate with somebody? Eric Bailly, for sure. He will make me laugh all day long!”

    The France international went on to discuss how eager he is to start playing again, outlining his daily fitness regimen and aspirations for when it is safe for football to resume.

    Eric Bailly and Paul Pogba of Manchester United celebrate after ...

    “I have a little home gym in my house,” Pogba added. ”I can do some training, some running, some bike, go outside and do some things with the ball. I am just keeping busy and keeping healthy.

    “We have got to stay motivated, there is no other choice. It is a period and we don’t know until when it will be like this, but I still have goals in my head and one day hopefully this [pandemic] will stop.

    “And then we have to get back on the pitch, so we have to be ready. For myself, I have been out for a long time as well, so for me, I just want to come back playing football.”

    Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly - Paul Pogba and Eric Bailly Photos - Hull ...

    The Manchester United talisman has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer, with Real Madrid reportedly leading the race for his signature.

    A possible return to Juventus has also been mooted for Pogba, but he stressed at the start of April that returning to action for United remains his sole focus as he continues down the comeback trail.

    Source: goal.com

  • Arrested royals to be processed for court tomorrow for flouting social distance protocol

    Four royals of the Akuapem Traditional Area in the Eastern Region arrested by the Police over the weekend for flouting social distancing protocols in the wake of COVID-19 are expected to be processed for court on Tuesday, 5 May 2020.

    According to the Police the four royals spearheaded the enstoolment of the Paramount Chief of the Akuapem Traditional area, Odehye Kwadwo Kesse despite a ban on social gathering as part of moves to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus which has killed 18 Ghanaians so far with some 2,169 recorded cases.

    President Akufo-Addo extended the ban on social gatherings by additional two-weeks during his last address to the nation.

    Social distancing is recommended by the World Health Organisation as part of measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

    To this end, some Ghanaians took to social media to criticise the action by the traditional council saying they put the lives of the people of the region at risk with their mass gathering.

    Source: Class FM

  • Diaso weekly market days suspended over social distancing

    The Upper Denkyirah West District Assembly in consultation with the District Security Council (DISEC) has suspended the Diaso Wednesday Market day until further notice.

    The action is to enforce proper social distancing in the market particularly on the market days.

    Mr. Agyemang Asiedu, the District Chief Executive (DCE) in an interview with Ghana News Agency, said the Diaso weekly market accommodates traders from the nearby Regions and District who have reported cases of the COVID19.

    He mentioned that traders from Amenfi Central and West, Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai, Sefwi Wiawso, Amenfi East and others come to the Diaso Wednesday Market which has made it difficult for the assembly to enforce the social distancing protocols, hence the suspension.

    Mr Asiedu said the assembly has put in place measures to ensure all the COVID- 19 directives and protocols were observed, especially social distancing at markets.

    He said traders were initially educated to ensure the markets were not crowded in compliance with the social distancing protocols, but it never worked, hence the decision to suspend the market days.

    Mr. Asiedu Agyemang advised, the people to adhere to all the directives, warning that anyone caught flouting the arrangement would face the rigours of the law.

    He said “The security services would partner the assembly to ensure compliance of the directives to fight the COVID-19“.

    He said though the district has not recorded any case yet, it would still adhere to all the protocols put in place and urged all, especially passengers and traders to wear nose masks, use hand sanitizers and ensure social distancing.

    Source: GNA

  • Imam flogged for holding prayers, defying social distancing order

    An Imam (Muslim CLeric) in Bauchi state has been publicly flogged for defying social distancing order to hold prayers with over 1o people.

    The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retd.) has placed a ban on religious gathering to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

    A video posted on Instagram by @TundeEdnut shows the Imam being flogged by one of the palace guards of the Emir of Azure, Bauchi State.

    “The emir of Azare, Bauchi state, directed his Dogaris (palace guards) to mete out instant punishment to any Imam who held mosque prayers with more than 10 people and did not maintain any social distancing.

    “One Imam thought he was above the law and held prayers in a jam-packed mosque, but someone reported him to the Dogaris and he was caught and flogged on his yansh,” Tunde Ednut’s caption read.

    Watch the video below:

    Source: mynigeria.com

  • Paramount chief of Dormaa tours market to enforce social distancing protocol

    The Paramount of Dormaa Traditional Council, Osagyefo Osedeeyo Dr. Agyemang-Badu II has toured the Dormaa market to observe and ensure that traders are observing the safety measures implemented by the Municipal Assembly in order to contain the spread of the virus.

    According to the Paramount Chief, the Coronavirus outbreak is highly contagious and deadly hence the need to ensure that his residents are observing the social distancing protocol enforced at the market.

    Speaking to reporters after the tour, Osagyefo Osedeeyo Dr. Agyemang-Badu II, known in private life as Justice Daniel Mensah, a High Court Judge explained that anybody at all is at risk of contracting the virus hence the need for each and everybody to assume responsibility for one another.

    He, therefore, pleaded with the traders in the market to abide by the measures enforced in the market so that there will not be any community spread of the virus in the market.

    He again urged the residents of the Dormaa to eschew stigmatization of the infected persons since such behaviour will worsen the woes of these persons.

    “This virus is no respecter of persons. It can infect a chief, linguist, police, soldier, pastor and even presidents. I extend my sympathies to every any family whose member has contracted the virus.  I am pleading with everybody, especially Bono people in Dormaa, the virus is very infectious and hence everybody should be very careful,” the paramount chief of the Dormaa Traditional Council admonished.

    He also took the opportunity to donate some face masks to the traders in the market in order to enhance their safety measures in preventing the spread of the virus.

    Source: ABCNewsGh.com

  • 130 motorbikes impounded for breaching social distancing directives

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

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

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

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

    Source: DCOP Frederick Adu Anim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: Starrfm.com.gh