- "The committee has been minded by the COVID-19 protocols for social distancing which will be adhered to. As part of the protocol guidelines, visiting delegations will be required to provide a 72-hour PCR test before they are admitted into the country."
At least 12 heads of state have so far confirmed their participation at President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo‘s inauguration, Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, announced on Tuesday (5 January 2021).
The countries are Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Chad, Liberia, Togo, Guinea Bissau, Benin and Niger. For Gambia, Nigeria, Gabon, Gambia, India and France would have their foreign ministers representing their leaders.
Others include the UK Minister for Africa, US Special Envoy, President of ECOWAS Commission, AU Commission Chairperson among others.
Negative PCR proof
Botchway said visitors attending Thursday’s event will be required to provide a negative 72-hour Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test before being admitted into the country.
Briefing the media in Accra on Tuesday on preparation for the event, Botchway said coronavirus protocols will strictly be enforced.
She said: “The committee has been minded by the COVID-19 protocols for social distancing which will be adhered to. As part of the protocol guidelines, visiting delegations will be required to provide a 72-hour PCR test before they are admitted into the country.”
“In this connection, participants in the ceremony will be required to keep their face masks on at all the times. Indeed, the need to strictly observe the COVID-19 protocols informed the number of persons which will be accredited to the ceremony.”
On his part, a deputy Information Minister, Pius Enam Hadzide, said a media village to accommodate about 200 media houses has been set up for the inauguration.
Meanwhile, some principal streets in the capital including Osu Cemetery area, Castle route from AU Circle to Osu Cemetery traffic light, Cross route to Starlet 91 streets, Independence Square, Gamel Abdul Nasser Road, Opeibea to 37 Interchange, Ako Adjei and Liberation Road will be closed to the public.
The police have, however, earmarked some diversions to facilitate movement of motorists in the capital.
Police Deployment
At least 6,000 personnel from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces and allied security agencies will be deployed to maintain law and order during the inauguration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Thursday.
A statement issued by the Police Service said the service will also ensure the enforcement of strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols by both visitors and dignitaries at the event.
It said: “The Police Administration has put in place security measures for the inauguration of the President-elect of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; Vice President-elect, His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; Speakers and Members of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic on 7th January, 2021 at Accra.”
“Six thousand security personnel drawn from the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, and allied agencies will provide security to ensure protection of lives and properties and general maintenance of law and order for the inaugural ceremonies. This will be augmented by technology to ensure maximum security,” the statement added.
Some roads are expected to be closed to traffic, the police added, noting it will on Tuesday announce restrictions and diversions in some parts of Accra due to the event.
“The police is urging the public to continue to cooperate with security arrangement for the inaugural ceremonies of 7th January 2020 in support of the constitutional framework of government,” the statement noted.
Fred Dzakpata
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