President Akufo Addo’s 10th Address (Highlights)

Ghana’s president, Nana Addo, began his speech by highlighting some of the steps his administration has taken to tackle the Covid-19 disease in the country. Among these are the country’s efforts to limit and stop the importation of the virus, contain its spread, provide adequate care for the sick, limit the impact of the virus on social and economic lives and using the opportunity afforded by the emergency to expand the country’s domestic capabilities and deepen its self-reliance.

He went on to commend healthcare workers, the contact tracers and testers, scientists and members of the Ghanaian media involved in the nation’s fight against the virus.

The President then gave update on the current Covid-19 figures. As the time of his speech, the total number tests stood at 218,425. Out of this figure, 8,070 tested positive. Recovery stands at 2,947, with 36 deaths. Those in severe conditions are 13 with 2 critically ill and one (1) on a ventilator. The remaining 5,087 are responding to treatment either at home or in isolation centers/ hospitals.

He commended Ghanaians for their cooperation and adherence to the directives given by the Health ministry with regard to safe preventive measures.

REOPENING OF CHURCES (& MOSQUES) AND SCHOOLS

According to the president, his decision to partially (strategically) reopen schools was informed by two main factors. The first was the fine example set by other nations that have successfully done same. Secondly, he claimed to have broadly consulted the various stakeholders, i.e., religious leaders, members of the chieftaincy as well as available scientific data, among others. He argued it was necessary to get the country back to normal.

Based on risk profile analysis, the following changes were announced (with effect from Friday 5^th June):

Churches/ Mosques:

1. 25% attendance for all religious gatherings with a maximum number of 100 congregants
2. A mandatory rule of 1m spacing to be observed
3. A mandatory wearing of masks for all persons at all times
4. A regular listing of all worshippers
5. Provision of handwashing equipment and sanitizers must be provided
6. Maximum duration of each service to be no more than 1 hour
7. Religious buildings are to be disinfected and fumigated before being put into use

Schools:

1. Schools are to be open only to allow final year Junior High, Senior High and University students to resume classes and complete their exit exams
2. Final year university students to report on 15^th June
3. Final year Senior High (SHS 3), together with Gold Track SHS 2 students to resume learning on 22^nd June
4. Final year JHS 3 students to resume on 29^th June
5. JHS 3 class size not to exceed 30 students
6. SHS class size not to exceed 25 students
7. University lectures to take place with half the class sizes
8. All final year students of educational and training institutions which are being managed by ministries other than the education ministry are to return to school on 15^th June to complete their exit exams
9. All such schools will be fumigated and disinfected prior to reopening
10. All teaching and non-teaching staff involved will be provided with reusable face masks (likely the sewn ones we see in town)
11. All other educational levels (whatsoever) not mentioned above remains closed till further notice

OTHER EASED RESTRICTIONS

1. Private burials can still be conducted with the maximum number in attendance increased to 100
2. Restaurants can now provide seated services but should observe appropriate social distancing and good hygiene protocols
3. Individual non-contact sports are now allowed (e.g. tennis)
4. Conferences, workshops, weddings and political activities (except rallies) can now take place with a maximum of 100 persons in attendance. Appropriate hygiene and social distancing protocols are to be observed.
5. All other public activities that were previously exempted are to observe appropriate social distancing and hygiene protocols

Regulatory agencies will be put in place to check and ensure conformity to these rules.

All other gatherings remaining untouched are to remain closed until July 31. The bother restrictions remain. Special dispensation will, however, be made for Ghanaians stranded abroad so they could return safely home.

He charged the good people of Ghana not to let their guard down but to make a part of their lived the regular hand washing, social distancing and wearing of masks.