President Akufo-Addo has indicated that cinemas, pubs and beaches will remain closed as part of restrictions adopted to contain the Coronavirus.

He made this statement during his 17th address to the nation on measures established by government to fight Covid-19.

“Beaches pubs and cinemas are to remain closed until further notice. All other institutions that have been cleared to function are to continue to do so in strict adherence to the Covid-19 protocols,” President Akufo-Addo stated.

These places have been closed since the country was placed under lockdown in March.

Meanwhile, the President announced that domestic competitive football can resume on Friday, October 30. Matches, however, should be played without spectators.

Other restrictions that have been lifted include churches and vehicles, which are now able to operate at full capacity with strict adherence to the safety protocols.

Meanwhile, the National Film Authority’s Action Group, in August, began pushing for an easing or total lifting of the restrictions on cinemas. 

Speaking in an interview with Andy Dosty on Daybreak Hitz, a member of the group Cosby Bikpe said the easing of restrictions is crucial to the recovery of the film industry.

“It has been so hard for us to build up the cinema culture again in Ghana. We are trying to build that now."

“The longer we keep the cinemas shut during these days of Coronavirus, the harder it makes growing the cinema culture more difficult.”

The group has urged the government to help the industry find ways to adapt to the new normal and grow the cinema culture again.