NDC suspends in-studio radio, TV interviews over coronavirus lockdown
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has suspended, with immediate effect, all in-studio radio and television interviews over the coronavirus lockdown in parts of the country.
This comes after President Akufo-Addo announced a partial lockdown of the Greater Accra Region, parts of the Central region and Kumasi in the Ashanti Region to control the spread of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
In a statement, the NDC said, “In view of the announced partial lockdown of the Ashanti Region, Greater Accra Region and parts of the Central Region as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Communication Bureau of the NDC hereby directs all Communication Officers and Communicators of the party in the affected areas to suspend in-studio discussions on radio and TV stations forthwith.”
The party, however, urged its officers and executives to work from home and adopt the use of technology in their communication.
“Officials and Executives of the National Secretariat of the party shall be operating from their homes during the pendency of the lockdown and will be available for engagements with party officers and members through phone calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages.”
Read full statement below
“In view of the announced partial lockdown of the Ashanti Region, Greater Accra Region and parts of the Central Region as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Communication Bureau of the NDC hereby directs all Communication Officers and Communicators of the party in the affected areas to suspend in-studio discussions on radio and TV stations forthwith.
All members of the Party’s communication Team at the Branch, Constituency, Regional and National Level in the Ashanti Region, Greater Accra Region and the Awutu/Senya East Municipality of the Central Region are to strictly adhere to this directive.
Regional Communication Officers in the affected areas are advised to engage the media for the adoption of Phone Call interviews, Skype Calls and other new media platforms for communication purposes.
As directed by the flag-bearer and Leader of the NDC, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, Regional Communication Officers in the other Regions not affected by the lockdown, are to ensure that communicators who are deployed for in-studio media discussions, as a matter of compulsion, wear face masks, use hand sanitizers frequently, ensure social distancing and strictly observe all the WHO precautionary protocols during panel discussions on radio and TV stations.
The National Communication Bureau is keenly monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the country and will review this directive as and when necessary.
Meanwhile, Officials and Executives of the National Secretariat of the party, shall be operating from their homes during the pendency of the lockdown and will be available for engagements with party officers and members through phone calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages.”
COVID-19 cases in Ghana
As of March 30, 2020, Ghana’s total number of recorded COVID-19 cases stood at 152.
Some 10 Guinean nationals who came into the country through Burkina Faso and Togo tested positive in Tamale.
This was after they were put under mandatory quarantine in Tamale.
10 Guineans who sneaked into Tamale test positive for coronavirus