The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) is concerned about the government’s cancellation of several COVID-19 protocols.
According to the association, the country is not prepared to handle the new directive of vaccinating all citizens yet, for restrictions to be eased.
They fear that the latest decision could lead to a rise in infections.
In his 27th March 2022 address to the nation, President Nana Akufo-Addo made an announcement to allow full participation in public events and optional wearing of face masks.
The decision was made following a huge decline in COVID-19 cases and a significant number of vaccinations.
“Based on the low recording cases, I review all COVID-19 protocols. Wearing of face mask is no longer mandatory. However, I encourage all of you, though, to continue to maintain enhanced hand hygiene practices, and avoid overcrowded gatherings,” he said.
He added that the government has rolled out measures to vaccinate 22.9 million people by the end of June this year.
But the Ghana Medical Association has raised red flags.
“I fear with the kind of system we have. We may not be able to efficiently check that all persons are vaccinated. Here is the case people are paying money to acquire the vaccination card. So,we must get a QR code where event organizers can scan and determine whether one is vaccinated. Until then, I am afraid we may not be able to handle it” General Secretary of the GMA, Dr. Titus Beyuo said on Joy FM.
Ghana’s vaccine roll-out plan
Ghana has a vaccine roll-out plan aimed at inoculating over 20 million of its population. The first phase targeted persons most at risk and frontline state officials. This group included healthcare workers, frontline security personnel, persons with underlying medical conditions, persons 60 years and above, and frontline members of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
The second phase targeted other essential service providers and the rest of the security agencies. It included water and electricity supply services, teachers and students, supply and distribution of fuels, farmers and food value chain, telecommunications services, air traffic and civil aviation control services, meteorological services, air transport services, waste management services, media, public and private commercial transport services, the Police Service, Armed Forces, Prisons Service, Immigration Service, National Fire Service, CEPS Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and other members of the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature.
The third phase targeted the rest of the general public, that is, all persons over 18 years, except for pregnant women.
The final phase included pregnant mothers and persons under the age of 18 as special arrangements were made for persons with disabilities who fall within these groups.
With many members of the public yet to receive the jabs, the vaccination programme continues until government attains its target.