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.

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

— SEA (@SandraEsinam1) June 3, 2021

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.