By XINHUA
Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo instructed the security services Sunday to enforce strict adherence to the COVID-19 prevention protocols to curb rising infections.
In his 22nd address to the nation on the government’s efforts to deal with the pandemic, Akufo-Addo described the recent increasing number of infections as worrying.
“I have instructed the Inspector General of Police to direct officers, men, and women of the police service to ensure the rigorous enforcement of the law on mask-wearing at all public places and in public transport,” said the president.
He also urged police to “ensure the closure of all night clubs, pubs, cinemas, and beaches that may be operating in defiance of the law,” adding that “they will be assisted by other security agencies if need be.”
With an average of about 200 confirmed daily infections, the number of active cases in Ghana has increased to 1,924, with 352 deaths, as 13 out of the 16 regions have recorded active infections.
Apart from imported cases, the president said the other infected persons had recent histories of attending various mass gatherings, most of whom “abandoned the use of the masks and were engaged in actions that led to their contracting the virus.”
Akufo-Addo, therefore, urged Ghanaians to follow the protocols of wearing face masks, washing hands, the use of hand sanitizers regularly and maintaining social distancing to prevent a further spread of the disease.
“Severe punishments exist in our statute books for persons breaking the law on the mandatory wearing of masks. Should anyone be arrested by the security agencies disregarding this directive, that person will be dealt with strictly according to the law,” Akufo-Addo cautioned.
