Chief Executive of the Ghana Employers Association, Alex Frimpong is making a strong case for the Covid-19 immunisation to be made compulsory for all workers.

According to Mr. Frimpong, his call has been influenced by the effect of the novel coronavirus on the country’s business sector.

He maintains that this might be one of the surest ways in helping to minimize the effects of the virus on the sector, which has resulted in layoffs, and businesses shutting down in the country.

The CEO believes that “this will keep management and employees healthy by preventing the contraction of the Covid-19 virus”

Covid-19 immunisation programme

Government has set the third quarter of 2021 to vaccinate more than half of the Ghanaian population.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has indicated that it could recommend to the President [Akufo-Addo] to fully re-open the economy from June this year, if it is to vaccinate a significant number of residents in Accra and Kumasi. 

Speaking on PM Express, Director of Public Health at the GHS, Dr. Franklyn Aseidu Bekoe said they are targeting areas which are Covid-19 hotspots.

Covid-19 Vaccines and Business Recovery

Mr. Frimpong noted that embracing these vaccines, might be in the interest of workers, due to how they've been affected by the pandemic.

“There is no doubt that high patronage will boost business confidence, ensure a healthy workforce and promote a speedy recovery of businesses and the economy, from the disruptions occasioned by the pandemic,” he added.

The Association CEO noted that since the workplace has recently been cited as a hotspot for the spread of the virus, the arrival of the vaccines must serve as a great t opportunity for employers and businesses, “to eliminate the pandemic from the workplace.”

Dealing with Covid-19 myths and impact on productivity

One of the major challenges that has affected the roll out of these vaccines has had to do with the various myth and conspiracy theories.

But Mr. Frimpong argues that some of these things can be addressed by designing a robust communication strategies to promote the vaccination of their employees.

It will also enlighten those that might be skeptical or reluctant to take the vaccines due to inaccurate information they might have received from social media and other platforms. 

Other proposals that are being put forward include: making the COVID-19 vaccination part of the workplace wellness programme, which he believes will go a long way to deal with some of these challenges.

Mr. Frimpong further noted that all these will help in the quick recovery of the economy.