The Ashanti Regional Chairman for Pubs and Spots Association, Mr. Emmanuel Antwi has appealed to the government to relieve them from the prohibition fashioned by the coronavirus pandemic to be able to fend for their families in such a time.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on May 31, 2020, lifted the ban on religious activities and allowed “the Electoral Commission, the National Commission for Civic Education and the National Identification Authority, whose activities were exempted from the outset from these restrictions, must conduct their activities in accordance with social distancing and the necessary hygiene and safety protocols.”

The number of Private burials was increased to one hundred (100) as restaurants, providing seated services to operate under appropriate social distancing arrangements and hygiene protocols.

Individual, non-contact sports, conferences, workshops, weddings, and political activities, except rallies, were also approved to take place, but with limited numbers not exceeding one hundred (100) persons present, with the appropriate social distancing and hygiene protocols yet Bars and Drinking spots opening was put on hold until it is safe.

According to Mr. Emmanuel Antwi, the association was looking forward to being part of the groups involved in the easing of restrictions after their abandonment since the first week of March. He beseeched the president to reconsider his decision and allow them to operate to be able to be of service to their families.

“We were expecting pubs and bars to start operation when the president began easing the restrictions. We are only reminding and pleading to him to permit our job to start operating. This is the job that takes care of our families and its closure is affecting us very hard.

He called on the government to lay down rules to chaperon them even if it means putting in the toughest measures to help curb the virus from escalating. Mr. Emmanuel updated that monies invested in their trade are on credit, which puts them at risk of facing prosecution if businesses continue to a standstill.

“The social distancing is already working at the bars unlike other places so he should please authorize our work to begin. Two customers can occupy one table for the time being. The veronica bucket will be installed and the alcohol-based sanitizers will all be put in place here.

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“We can cease music playing for now and ensure that the needed protocols are observed. Restaurants and other offices are opened except ours. The monies invested in these trades are loans and we must fulfill the agreement regardless of the pandemic.

“We are pleading through the Regional Minister to help us. We are ready to abide by whatever restriction they put in place to help us get back to business.

“There are expiring dates attached to our products and that is also our concern,” he said.

The Chairman acknowledged the government’s bold decision in the fight against coronavirus pandemic however, on behalf of members of the association, he entreated that government must approve their request to empower their status for the development of Ghana.

“The president of Ghana is doing a great job and we attest to that. We are only pleading to him to come to our aid and ease the restrictions for us.

“The time to ease the restrictions to cover us might take place on July 31 and it will be tough for us. Sport and bar participants in Ghana are more than 4000 and we have been stranded. He should please reconsider his decision,” he pleaded.