Akufo-Addo’s 16 reasons for easing COVID-19 restrictions

President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced significant changes to the COVID-19 protocols implemented after Ghana recorded its first cases on March 12.

In an address on Sunday, May 31, Mr Akufo-Addo announced the easing of restrictions imposed by the government as measures to contain the coronavirus in the country.

Close to three months after the pandemic hit Ghana, and with the latest cases at 8,070 with 2,947 recoveries and 36 deaths, Mr Akufo-Addo indicated that schools should resume for final years students in Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Junior High Schools (JHSs) but under strict adherence to anti-coronavirus measures.

Similarly, churches and mosques have been given the green light to restart normal worship services but only with 100 people in attendance during each period.

Attendees are to wear masks, observe social distancing and names recorded for each service.

A three-week partial lockdown in Accra, Tema, Kumasi and Tamale was earlier lifted on April 20.

With life returning to normal and resumption of major economic activities that were hit by the ban on public gatherings, theghanareport.com brings you 16 reasons given by the President for the latest action.

1. Ghanaians are not dying in the hundreds and thousands as earlier anticipated. We have a milder version of the virus than initially feared.

2. Tracing, testing and treatment of people efficiently enhanced with testing centres increased from two to 10.

3. Over four million gloves and more than three million masks were distributed to help prevent the spread.

4. Consensus has been reached with stakeholders to get lives and the economy back to normal.

5. A selective list of public gatherings based on risk profile and ability to respond in case of any eventualities are those with restrictions eased.

6. 100 congregants can worship at a time with a one-metre distance rule and the wearing of masks. Names of attendees should be taken. This will help in managing too much crowd and contact tracing in case of any eventualities.

7. Fumigation of churches, mosques and schools will be undertaken ahead of reopening.

8. All teachers and students will be provided with face masks.

9. Security services have been tasked to enforce rules of easing.

10. Any institutions who flout regulations will be sanctioned without fear or favour.

11. Localised restrictions will be imposed in areas where there are increased infections.

12. The government will partner with local authorities to implement guidelines in every community.

13. Ghana’s health care system has not been overwhelmed.

14. Ghanaians have embraced social distancing, wearing of masks, as well as personal hygiene, which has slowed down the spread.

15. Government committed to fortify public health system with a hospital in every district and every region.

16. We cannot continue to live under the restrictions forever.