President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians that Ghana will not be left behind in the global race for Covid-19 vaccines for its citizens, as the health authorities combat the menace of the dreaded coronavirus pandemic in Ghana.
The president has also passionately urged Ghanaians to adhere to all COVID-19 safety protocols during the Christmas festivities.
President Akufo-Addo gave the assurance and made the appeal during his 20th national address and update on the covid-19 pandemic situation in Ghana on Sunday.
He disclosed that Ghana’s active case count has now dropped from over one thousand just above 900.
Indeed, the total number of active cases has reduced marginally from one thousand, one hundred and thirty-nine (1,139), as at Friday, 6th November 2020, to nine hundred and forty-six (946) as at Friday, 18th December. Our hospitalisation rates continue to be very low, and our treatment centres are virtually empty. As per data from Ghana Health Service, some regions, at the moment, have no recorded active cases, and long may this continue.
Our heroic health workers have seen to fifty-two thousand, six hundred and seventy-five (52,675) recoveries, for which the country is extremely grateful. Unfortunately, thirteen (13) more deaths from COVID-19 and its complications have been recorded, bringing the total number of fatalities to three hundred and thirty-three (333) out of the fifty-three thousand, nine hundred and fifty-four (53,954) confirmed cases. May their souls rest in peace.
The president used the occasion to assure the Ghanaian public that it will facilitate the roll out of a covid-19 vaccine program in due course, which will prioritize the safety of citizens and the efficacy of any newly-developed vaccine.
Ghana, I assure you, is not going to be left behind in having access to the vaccines. I am aware of the anxieties relating to the safety and efficacy of newly-developed vaccines. Government will ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines to be deployed in the country are effective and are safe. To this end, I have put together a team of experts, from the relevant institutions and agencies, who are working assiduously towards the procurement and deployment of the vaccines in Ghana. The briefings held by the Ministry of Information will keep the nation updated on this matter.
President Akufo-Addo entreated the general public especially event organisers to keep ensuring adherence to the containment measures, while cautioning citizens with underlying ailments to exercise care especially during this festive season.
The dynamics of the virus has taught us that, if you must host or attend such events, they are best held safely outdoors or in very well-ventilated halls, rather than in closed, air-conditioned spaces. Even when organised outdoors, there must be adequate spacing for the maintenance of social distancing. Organisers of such events, public or private, should ensure the presence of ‘Veronica’ buckets, soap and sanitisers, and must insist that patrons use them as frequently as possible.
I entreat all persons with underlying ailments, such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic liver disease, and asthma to pay particular attention to their health during the festive season.
President Akufo-Addo said sea and land borders remain closed, as is for beaches, nightclubs and cinemas.
It is important to stress that our borders, by land and sea, will remain closed to human traffic until further notice. Beaches, pubs, cinemas and nightclubs remain closed until further notice. All other institutions that have been cleared to function are to continue to do so in strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocols.
