The Government of Ghana has closed all schools from the basic to the tertiary level.
The closure follows six confirmed cases of COVID 19 in the country.
The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in a televised address to the country said all public gatherings including church services, funerals, mosque attendance have also been suspended until further notice.
The president said the decision was taken following a meeting by the inter-ministerial committee on Coronavirus response.
“After deliberations, I have decided, in the interest of public safety and protection of our population, to review the public gatherings advisories earlier announced.
“All public gatherings, including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, sporting events and religious activities, such as churches and mosques, have been suspended for the next four weeks. Private burials are permitted, but with limited numbers not exceeding twenty-five (25) in attendance,” the President said.
Preventive measures
Meanwhile establishments such as supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, night clubs, hotels and drinking spots have been ordered to observe enhanced hygienic procedures by providing amongst others, hand sanitisers, running water and soap for washing of hands.
The Ministry of Transport has also been directed to work with the transport unions and private and public transport operators to ensure enhanced hygienic conditions in all vehicles and terminals.
The President has further directed the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to coordinate with the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to enhance conditions of hygiene in markets across the country.
Call for cooperation
The President has appealed to the public to cooperate with health experts to ensure that persons who have come into contact with positive cases are identified and supported.
Legislation
The president has also directed the Attorney General to submit, immediately, to parliament emergency legislation in accordance with Article 21(4)(C) and (D) of the Ghanaian 1992 constitution 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,” the President said.
Source: eveningmailgh.com
