President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says his government’s target with regard to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is to record zero active cases in the country.
According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) COVID-19 website, there are roughly 544 active cases of the disease in Ghana as of today, 20 September 2020. Overall, the country has recorded 46,004 cases, and 45,153 individuals have recovered from it. Sadly, 297 people have lost their lives to the disease in Ghana.
Briefing the nation in his 17th address since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Ghana on the continuing measures taken by his government against the spread of COVID-19, President Akufo-Addo said even though there is a very positive outlook to Ghana’s fight against the spread of the disease, the country is yet not out of the woods. That means the people of Ghana cannot afford to let their guard down.
“As we work to rid the virus from our shores, let us continue to remember at all times that this virus is no respecter of persons and has wreaked its havoc on every country on the planet. There are countries that are imposing lockdowns all over again; others are imposing curfews, all in a bid to curb the onset of fresh infections and a second wave,” President Akufo-Addo said.
The president further charged all Ghanaians to continue to look out for one another and to “remain each other’s keeper, united, and with one goal in mind”, which is to win the fight against COVID-19.
“We will emerge victorious in the fight against COVID-19. Zero active cases must be the ultimate aim,” President Akufo-Addo said.
Testing at Kotoka Airport
The president announced that, as of Friday (18 September), 10,061 passengers had undergone testing for COVID-19 at Kotoka International Airport.
“A total of 26 positive cases have been recorded from the test in Kotoka. Let us pause for a moment, and imagine what would have happened if these 26 positives had not been detected and had been allowed to mingle with the population,” he said.
“Let me assure you again that, as President of the Republic, I will do everything in my power to protect you and stop the importation of the virus into our country and limit and contain its spread. This is my solemn commitment to you.”
Mandatory wearing of face masks
The president said in line with the new executive instruction issued on 14 September 2020, it remains mandatory in Ghana until mid-December to wear a face mask in public.
“Until 14 December 2020, the wearing of masks remains mandatory and the law-enforcement agencies will be required to ensure this directive is respected by all.
“It has served us well in the fight against COVID-19, so I urge each and every one of us to wear our mask and do so correctly any time we leave our homes,” the President said.
JHS/SHS graduates
President Akufo-Addo recalled that on Friday, 531,674 JHS3 students completed the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). SHS3 students, too, wrote the last paper of their West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) on 5 September, the president recalled.
He congratulated all the graduating students and expressed his delight that the country did not allow COVID-19 to derail their education.
“I am particularly excited at this development because, despite the fears and genuine anxiety expressed by some, and the criticisms proffered by some in the political space, these students have gone to school, studied, sat and completed their examinations unscathed.
“Their forward march in life has not been interrupted. And, by the grace of God, the predictions made by some of widespread infections and even deaths did not materialise,” President Akufo-Addo said.
Resumption of football
With respect to football, the president said: “After due consultations with the Ghana Football Association, it has been decided that the Ghana Premier League and the Division One Football League will restart on Friday, 30 October, with a full regime of testing of the players, technical and management staff.
“No spectators will be allowed at the training centres, and when actual competition resumes, seating at all stadia will be limited to 25% capacity to ensure social distancing.
“Wearing of masks by spectators at stadia will be mandatory.
“The restart of all other sporting competitions will be determined on a case-by-case basis, pending consultations between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the respective sport associations,” the president said.
Click on the link below to listen to President Akufo-Addos address.
Wilberforce Asare / Asaase Radio
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