The Trades Union Congress (TUC), has in a letter called on President Akufo-Addo to take further action towards the prevention of the spread of coronavirus in the country.

While thanking the president for his leadership even before a case was recorded in Ghana, Secretary-General of the Congress, Dr Yaw Baah said the measures he outlined have done little to prevent the increase in cases and they would want more to be done.

“The ban on mass gathering, the closure of schools, colleges and universities, as well as the call for social distancing and enhanced hygiene procedures, such as more frequent washing of hands with soap and the use of hand sanitizers are very important measures.

“But these measures have their inherent deficiencies. For instance, hand sanitizers are in short supply. Even if they are available, Ghanaians cannot afford them because a significant proportion of Ghanaians are living in poverty.”

Dr Baah adds that health facilities are complaining of the lack of running water and Ghana’s transport system is not designed to allow social distancing.

He wonders how the measures announced by the president can be effective when although schools have closed and children are at home, parents are commuting to workplaces in ‘trotros’ and sharing work tools with others.

“Mr President, the risk of spread of the virus in Ghana remains high. We need more aggressive measures to protect the people from this deadly virus, including a lockdown if that is needed to protect the people.”

Read the full statement below:

TUC Letter to President on Covid-19.PDF by myjoyonline.com on Scribd