The Tongu MP constituency has begun the distribution of 20,000 face masks to constituents as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus among the people.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the initiative which involves the production of the masks by local dressmakers and tailors, is to help revive the businesses of garment makers who have taken a hit due to the pandemic and the various social distancing protocols that have been put in place.

“I am happy to have spent the day in Juapong where we commenced the free distribution to over a thousand people including the youth, market women, shop owners, welders, commercial drivers and the Juapong District Police Command.

Every town and village will see our free mask distribution caravan in the coming days,” the MP said in a social media post.

The legislator who is also a ranking member on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament said the production of the face masks is being done in accordance with Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) guidelines and supervision from the district health directorate.

President Akufo-Addo in a televised address on Sunday advised Ghanaians to wear face masks as a part of measure to prevent contracting Covid-19.

“I want to encourage you to wear a mask wherever you go, as it will help you not to contract the virus, and keep it clean…If you own a business or are providing a service, i.e. a barber, a hairdresser, a tailor, a taxi driver, a trotro driver and his ‘mate’, a shop keeper, a food seller, please do well to use a mask,” President Akufo-Addo advised.

 The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council has subsequently made wearing of face masks in public places mandatory.

 The Council of State has also appealed to government to consider providing all Ghanaians with face masks.

But Mr Ablakwa says while over a thousand people within the constituency have received free face masks, the exercise will not stop until every constituent has a free mask.