Ghana’s president, Akufo-Addo seems reluctant to declare a lockdown despite the increasing coronavirus cases in the country.
Akufo-Addo has indicated that he is not considering a lockdown currently because of the implications it will have on ordinary Ghanaians.
He said these ordinary Ghanaians form majority of the country’s population, therefore, it will be prudent to consider certain factors before a lockdown.
President Akufo-Addo made these known in his address to leaders of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) at Jubilee House on March 26.
“Now people are talking about a lockdown in Ghana and this and that but we should know that the majority of people will be affected. The ordinary Ghanaians are the ones that will be most affected and it is important for us who have to take this decision to take into account, their circumstances and conditions.
“If you lockdown Accra, what are the consequences? If we lockdown the country, what are the consequences? A responsible government is required to look at all this before decisions are made and that is the exercise on which we are currently engaged.
“I am hopeful that sooner than later, we will come to an agreement within government on the way forward and the Ghanaian people will be informed. But I want to assure you that the matters you have put on the table are matters we are actively deliberating on,” President Akufo-Addo said.
Meanwhile, Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has told President Akufo-Addo to declare a lockdown in the country with immediate effect.
The Ghana Medical Association said the healthcare delivery system in the country might not be able to control the pandemic hence the need for a lockdown.
“…hereby call on His Excellency President of the Republic of Ghana to declare a nationwide lockdown… with immediate effect”, a statement by GMA on Wednesday read.
The Association entreated leaders and the citizens to see the need for a lockdown because it is the best for the nation.
“The lockdown though not a comfortable decision for leadership and citizens alike is a proven option backed by science and along with the other measures will ultimately be in our best interest.
“We call on all Ghanaians to support such a move in the national interest to save our nation from the devastating effects of this pandemic,”
GMA wants only persons providing essential services to be allowed to go about their activities during the lockdown.
