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COVID 19: How is Ghana responding to the Epidemic
Ghana has banned travellers who have been to any country with more than 200 Coronavirus (covid-19) cases as a measure to prevent the spread of the ravaging Coronavirus. The ban took effect on Sunday, March 15, 2020, a day after the country recorded six confirmed cases of covid-19.
A statement from the Ministry of Information said, however, that Ghanaian citizens and persons with Ghanaian resident permits would be allowed into the country but would be made to observe a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine.
On the night of Monday, March 16, 2020, two Italian nationals travelling from Europe, were prevented from entering Ghana in compliance with the travel advisory directive issued by the government and currently the country has refused entry to 31 passengers, while a number of airlines were not allowed to disembark passengers.
In a message to the nation on Sunday, March 15, the President announced that an earlier travel ban for all government functionaries was still in force.
Public gatherings
He directed that all public gatherings, including conferences, funerals, church and other religious activities be suspended for four weeks to ensure social distancing. All universities, schools were closed to do distance learning. Funerals and weddings have been suspended for the next four weeks, albeit, burials could be performed, but with not more than 25 people in attendance. The guidelines are subject to review at any point in time.
President Akufo-Addo further tasked the Ministry of Local Government to liase with relevant authorities to improve hygienic standards in the markets and ensure that supermarkets and malls practice the highest standards of personal hygiene.
He charged the Attorney General and Minister for Health to fast track processes to ensure legislative processes are implemented to back directives.
Compliance
In conformity with the President’s directives, churches and mosques in the country have suspended public gatherings. While encouraging their members to stay spiritual, the churches also admonished them to observe all the safety measures that would protect them and others from the pandemic. Some churches are holding services through their online platforms.
