Ghana's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and Consulate General, have extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of Ghanaians who have passed away as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, in the United State of America.

The deceased Ghanaians were located in the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

In a statement signed by the Information Officer of Ghana's Permanent Mission to the UN, Federick Ameyaw, "the Consulate is making every effort to track the welfare of the Ghanaian community in these difficult times" and is urging bereaved families to "notify the Consul-General or the Information Officer of the Ghana Mission."

It further reiterated its continuous support of Ghanaians in these trying times and urged them to follow the WHO's safety directives as well as any other directive by city authorities.

Read the full statement below:

The Permanent Mission of Ghana to the United Nations and Consulate-General of Ghana has received with deep regret the sad news of the passing of a number of Ghanaians in the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and wishes to extend deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and loved ones of our compatriots.

The Mission further wishes to express solidarity with all affected Ghanaians especially with the families of the critically ill and joins in praying for their full and speedy recovery.

Our thoughts and prayers go to all compatriots at this time and we wish to use this opportunity to reiterate our plea for all Ghanaians to strictly observe the guidelines announced by the World Health Organization as well as the City and State Authorities to avoid being infected with the virus.

The Consulate is making every effort to track the welfare of the Ghanaian community in these difficult times and kindly requests that any Ghanaian living in the Tri-State area who has lost a relative or has knowledge of a Ghanaian who has succumbed to the coronavirus disease to duly notify the Consul-General or the Information Officer of the Ghana Mission.

They may be contacted by phone on 929-342-9396 and 202-389-7855 respectively.

The Ghana Permanent Mission and Consulate-General wishes to assure the Ghanaian community that it remains available to all Ghanaians in need of critical consular assistance.

It is our hope and prayer that we will overcome this pandemic and be able to return to normalcy soon. Meanwhile, please stay safe.