President Akufo-Addo has signed the Executive Instrument (EI) extending the duration of the restrictions imposed under EI 64 and EI 65.
The restrictions imposed on public gatherings, under EI 64, have been extended for a further period of two weeks, with effect from Monday 13, April 13.
As announced already, the restrictions imposed on the movement of persons in Accra, Tema, Kumasi and Kasoa, under EI 65, have been extended for further by one week with effect from Monday.
"All other provisions, including all exemptions in EI 64 and EI 65, are still in full force and effect," Eugene Arhin, head of communication at the presidency said in a Facebook post, Sunday.
Parliament passed the Imposition of Restrictions Bill on March 21, despite opposition by the Minority.
The Bill gives the President the powers to impose restrictions on the movement of people in the event of a disaster or emergency.
The legislation was laid in the House under a certificate of emergency in accordance with Article 21 (4) (c) and (d) of the Constitution.
After the third reading of the Bill in Parliament, a voice count favoured its passage into law.
Prior to its passage, the Minority legislators opposed it on grounds that it fails to demonstrate the urgency attached to the process to get it passed.
According to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs, the Bill only seeks to arrogate to the Execute unlimited power, which could be detrimental to the checks and balances that enable democracy to thrive.
However, the Majority disagrees.
The Majority MPs argued that the Bill is important to ensure that directives issued by President Akufo-Addo to contain the spread of Covid-19 would be enforced.
The decision to pass the Bill under a certificate of urgency was also decided by a voice vote.
Subsequently, the Minority said it will go to the Supreme Court to seek an interpretation of Article 104 of the Constitution which indicates the conduct of votes in the House.
The Minority MPs argue essentially that the Bill does not deal with the issue of the coronavirus spread but rather seeks to broadly restrict freedom of movement.
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