The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama has reiterated calls to government to consider conducting mass testing exercises before the reopening of schools.

According to Mahama, government has accumulated enough resources in the name of Covid-19 to be able to fund a mass testing exercise, “even if it has to rely on private laboratories; for the sake of the life and health of Ghanaians.”

In the latest in his series of letters to government and the general public, he suggested that following the reopening of schools, students, teachers and ancillary staff returning to school or church attendants should undergo a mandatory Covid-19 test as a safety precaution.

The former President indicated his support for the position of the various teachers’ unions and parents who have protested the ‘hasty’ reopening of schools.

“Government must pay close attention and take into consideration, the concerns of the various unions and parents.”

He added that, “any decision taken by government to ease restrictions must be based on the utmost respect for human life and the science of the disease we are dealing with.

“Decisions based on false premises will have grave consequences for all of us as Ghanaians.”

On behalf of his party, John Mahama congratulated all health workers still at the frontline of the fight against the virus for their collective effort during the pandemic.

“Ghanaians truly appreciate your sacrifices, and you can be assured that your commitment and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”