Audio By Carbonatix
General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), has registered his disappointment over the wanton disregard for safety protocols during the burial service of the late Forestry Commission boss, Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie.
Speaking to JoyNews, Monday, Dr Justice Yankson noted that despite the ongoing vaccination exercise, failure to comply with the Covid-19 safety protocols will plunge the country back into recording high number of cases.
"I think that we may be confusing the issue of vaccination and its impact and the bit of the bargain that enjoins us to maintain strict adherence to safety protocols.
“Technically speaking, it is just about one percent of the entire population of Ghana that has been able to take the two jabs that will give them the needed level of protection.
"Even though you have taken the two jabs, it does not mean you may never contract Covid-19. We should not be deceived by the fact that vaccination has started for which reason we can actually throw away all our protocols," he told Emefa Apawu.
A video of the funeral rites for Sir John has been circulating on social media with thousands of people gathered in complete disregard for physical distancing and limited use of face masks.
The funeral was attended by President Akufo-Addo, Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and other top government functionaries.
Pathetic, failed, and oppressed Ghana.
— SEA (@SandraEsinam1) June 3, 2021
A group of Ghanaian youth yearning for a better Ghana wanted to protest but were denied because the state claim we are in a pandemic.
Look at us celebrating and glorifying a man who died of covid?
Shame on us #FixTheCountry pic.twitter.com/bFCEhVz4HN
Some Ghanaians who were unhappy with the turn of events criticised President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and other members of the government for flouting the Imposition of Restrictions Act, which prohibits mass gathering amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
Subsequently, the GMA and pressure group OccupyGhana issued press releases to call the executive to order.
Also, the GMA demanded that law enforcement agencies should investigate and deal with the organisers of the funeral of Sir John.
Dr Justice Yankson said the rule of law should be enforced indiscriminately to serve as a deterrent to others.
"We operate under the Rule of Law as a country and I don’t see why if he is so minded cannot prosecute or investigate. When it was the turn of the Christ Embassy group, the same association (GMA) made a call and we know some prosecution is currently ongoing so what is so different under this circumstance.
"The baseline is protocols have been broken, if the laws have been breached then ultimately the power of the state has to fall on those mandated to ensure the right thing is done, nobody is above the law,"he said.
Latest Stories
-
NDC threatens sanctions over oversized campaign posters, gives aspirants 5 days to comply
51 minutes -
Star Oil paid GH¢2.7bn in taxes, levies in nine months of 2026
1 hour -
Samson’s Take: The rule of law is cheaper before the bulldozer
1 hour -
GRA blames system failure for delay in issuing receipt over passenger’s customs duty
1 hour -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses World Cup visa scandal, beach demolitions, education strikes, BRICS bid
2 hours -
NC-PTAs welcomes end of teachers’ strike, urges parents to prepare children for Monday
2 hours -
Government procures over 2,000 transformers as Ghana’s electricity access hits 89.13% – Energy Minister
2 hours -
UTAG-UG threatens strike on October 19 over unpaid allowance
2 hours -
Let The Constitution direct Chieftaincy to deliver “All Development Is Local”   Â
3 hours -
John Jinapor outlines renewable energy, nuclear power priorities for 2027
4 hours -
Ghana explores centre of excellence for hearing, communication and cochlear implant care
5 hours -
Schizophrenia-related disorders lead mental health cases recorded in Ghana
5 hours -
Dutch authorities enlist Ghana in hunt for fugitive drug lord Bolle Jos
6 hours -
Ghana housing finance conference adopts communiqué to improve affordable housing access
10 hours -
Special Initiatives Minister urges Wa Technical Institute to enrol more girls as EU-backed solar training lab opens
10 hours