Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, has issued a statement on Saturday to explain that members of the Executive arm of government are exempted from a lockdown directive issued by the President on Friday.

According to the Chief of Staff, ministers and their deputies, senior staffers at the Presidency and Special Assistants constitute the Executive arm of government.

“All other members of the Public Service are to comply with the circular issued by the Public Services Commission with reference No. AB 296/349/01 dated 23rd March 2020 which is aimed at reducing the number of staff working at the same time while ensuring the continuous delivery of core services as mandated,” the statement explained.

President Nana Akufo-Addo on Friday evening announced that movements in some urban areas in the country will be restricted from Monday for two weeks as part of government measures to control the spread of the coronavirus.

The lockdown affects areas in Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi, where significant numbers of infections have been recorded.

Delivering his fourth national televised address on the state’s anti-coronavirus strategy on Friday evening, President Nana Akufo-Addo said beginning from 1:00 a.m. on Monday, March 30, the lockdown will restrict the movement people for a period of two weeks subject to review.

The lockdown, he explained is to enable contact tracing of persons who have come into contact with persons who have tested positive for the deadly virus.

Read the full statement issued by the Chief of Staff below.