The National House of Chiefs has directed traditional leaders to hold special traditional prayers and rites to purify their communities and seek the face of God in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement on the COVID-19 situation in Ghana, the institution also directed that all traditional festivals should be suspended with immediate effect.

“Rites that are associated with traditional festivals and religious days are to be restricted to indoors with fewer numbers. The House knows that these rites are important to our institution, but the times are such that we cannot continue to do things as usual,” the statement admonished.

The number of coronavirus cases in Ghana has significantly shot up to 93, with four deaths, international trackers reported on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

The Ghana Health Service is, however, yet to confirm these latest figures.

The National House of Chiefs notes that since the coronavirus hit about three months ago, the rate at which the disease is spreading has been alarming.

The President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has issued a raft of directives aimed at quelling the spread of the disease in Ghana – including a ban of all public gatherings and the closing down of all universities and schools.

Over 1,000 travellers arriving in Ghana last week have also been placed under mandatory quarantine.

“Nananom stand in solidarity with the protocols and measure taken by the government to contain the spread of the coronavirus,” the National House of Chiefs said in the statement signed by Stephen Owusu, Public Relation Officer for the House.

The National House of Chiefs also urged traditional leaders in Ghana to confront the current coronavirus scourge as they would deal with a war situation.

"Nananom, the situation we are faced with is akin to war and it is our obligation to lead the fight. Let's not disappoint our people," the statement reiterated.

Read the full statement by the National House of Chiefs below.