Former Deputy Health Minister, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye has commended Ghanaians for the level of interest shown in the ongoing Covid-19 mass vaccination exercise.

According to him, the massive patronage by Ghanaians can be attributed to the public broadcast of the vaccination by the President and other government officials.

Speaking in an interview on Joy News' the Pulse, Oko Boye revealed that, a research was conducted on the Covid-19 vaccine acceptance in Accra and result showed that only 37 percent of Ghanaians were willing to get vaccinated.

“Two-thirds which is 63 percent of Ghanaians were not ready to take the vaccine in Accra so you can imagine what can happen in the rural areas? He asked.

“By the Grace of God, immediately the President, Vice President and key officials took the vaccine, that particular attitude and stance started to change,” he added.

Mr Boye said the President and other key officials taking the vaccine has assured Ghanaians to do same, adding that, the move would encourage Government to procure a lot of vaccines.

“As we speak, between this month and May, we are expecting 2 to 3 million more vaccines from COVAX, Syndex has given us some few thousands as a gift from the Russian Confederation. The Indian government has given us some 50,000, COVAX is bringing 2 million.

"The Minister of Health, Kweku Agyemang Manu is also working with the Russian government to bring in some millions. We are looking at about 10 million Spunnik V vaccines," he remarked.

The former Minister asserted that although some reactions such as headaches, body pains, chills and mild fevers are associated with the inoculation, it is in the best interest of Ghanaians to be vaccinated to protect themselves from contracting the virus.

"There is a greater benefit which is that you are protected from severe illness, it means that your condition will be mild to moderate. You will not end up at ICU and Ga East or University of Ghana Medical Centre and the protection from death is almost 100 percent for all the vaccine.

"If you get the opportunity, don’t hesitate at all. Don’t say that I am waiting for the 95 percent or 80 percent  which ever one is approved by Ghana's  FDA  for use will save you from severe illness and that is why I encourage people to go for the vaccine," he stressed.