Prez Akufo-Addo Extends Public Gatherings Ban by Two Weeks

The President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo has extended the ban on public gatherings by an additional two weeks.

The President announced this during his eighth address to citizens on the pandemic situation in the country, on Sunday, April 26, 2020.

The extension comes into full force on Monday, April 27, 2020, at 1:00 am.

President Akufo-Addo said the decision follows a strong consensus from some major stakeholders in the country.

“The strong consensus that emerged from these and other consultations is that the existing measures must be maintained for now, until we have a firm grip on the movement of the virus. This consensus is supported by data and science, and I am also very much of this view. I have, accordingly, by Executive Instrument, extended for another two (2) weeks the suspension of all public and social gatherings, as set out in E.I 64 of 15th March 2020, effective tomorrow, 1 am, Monday, 27th April.,” he said.

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The ban on all public gatherings was declared by President Akufo-Addo on March 15, 2020, in a televised broadcast for one month, which included conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, church activities, and other related events as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country.

It was further extended by two weeks upon its expiry.

The President in that broadcast gave a caveat that private burials were permitted however mourners present must not exceed 25.

“Private burials are permitted, but with limited numbers, not exceeding twenty-five (25) in attendance,” President Akufo-Addo said.

Already, schools have been shut down across the country. Most market places are open however under strict social-distancing protocols, the mandatory wearing of face mask, and the presence of handwashing facilities.

Some local assemblies have moved in to close markets where traders flout the social distancing directives.