At least 106 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) pushing the country’s active cases to 2,911.
The death toll hits 734 after three additional fatalities were recorded across the country, an update on the GHS COVID-19 dashboard reveals.
As at 20 March 2021, Ghana’s total confirmed cases stand at 89,893.
Health officials have recorded 86,248 recoveries. So far, 33 persons are in severe condition while 13 remain critical, according to GHS. Cases detected at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) are 1,301 with 1,198 recoveries.
Breakdown of regional cases:
Greater Accra Region – 49,716
Ashanti Region – 15,234
Western Region – 5,664
Eastern Region – 4,102
Central Region – 3,218
Volta Region – 2,330
Northern Region – 1,598
Bono East Region – 1,391
Bono Region – 1,307
Upper East Region – 1,296
Western North Region – 846
Ahafo Region – 694
Upper West Region – 477
Oti Region – 392
North East Region – 210
Savannah Region – 117
GHS begins inquiry into vaccines theft
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has initiated an administrative inquiry into the alleged stealing and selling of COVID-19 vaccines in the country.
In a press statement signed by Dr Patrick Kuma Aboagye, director-general of the GHS, said, “It has noticed with great concern, a publication in sections of the media alleging that three staff of the Service who work in various hospitals in the Greater Accra Region, have been arrested for stealing and selling COVID- 19 vaccines.
“The Service condemns such alleged criminal act in no uncertain terms. An administrative inquiry is being instituted and appropriate sanctions shall be applied if they are found culpable. The Service commits to cooperate with the Security agencies to unravel the circumstances leading to this illicit act,” it said.
The National Security has arrested three persons for their alleged involvement in the stealing and sale of COVID-19 vaccines belonging to the government.
A 37-year-old Disease Control Officer of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Stephen Dzisenu, is said to have stolen 36 vials of Covishield and a disease control officer of the La Bawalashie Polyclinic, Lord Pabitey, now at large, also allegedly stole 26 vials of Covishield.
Cosmos Allotey, a 42-year-old occupational health and safety officer, is said to have received the stolen Covishield from Pabitey and Dzisenu. Allotey allegedly administered the vaccines at a cost of GHC200 per jab.
Joseph Knight Gaisie, a project assistant and a former laboratory technician at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital is also being held for abetment of crime.
The three – Dzisenu, Gaisie and Allotey – have been remanded into lawful custody by an Accra Circuit Court to reappear on 1 April.
Fred Dzakpata
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