Nana Addo reimposes ban on public gatherings; no more funerals, weddings, concerts

Ghana's President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reimposed the ban on public gatherings as part of measures to curb the recent spike of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.

In a televised address on Sunday, January 31, President Akufo-Addo said all parties, weddings and concerts are effectively banned until further notice.

“Until further notice, funerals, weddings, concerts, theatrical performance and parties are banned. Private burials with not more than 25 people can take place with the enforcement of the social distancing, hygiene and mask-wearing protocols. Beaches, nightclubs, cinemas and pubs continue to be shut. Our borders by land and sea remain closed. All workplaces, public and private must implore a shift system for workers in addition to the use of virtual platforms for business or work.”

“Conferences and workshops can take place with all the appropriate protocols however I encourage the use of virtual platforms for such engagements. Restaurants should provide away services and should as much as possible avoid seated services. The National Sports Authority and the Ghana Football Association should ensure compliance with the 25% capacity rule with spectators respecting the social distancing rule and wearing of the mask,” he said.

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Expressing concern about the severity of the pandemic, the President said the current situation has gotten worse than last two weeks when he delivered his 22nd COVID-19 address.

"The hope was that we would begin to see an improvement in our case count, as a result. Two weeks on from that address, the situation is even worse".

He said the infection rate has jumped from 200 to 700 daily since his last update.

He, therefore, implored Ghanaians to follow the COVID-19 safety protocols.

He warned that anyone found breaking the new directive will be severely dealt with.