In less than 25 days, not wearing a mask will no longer be a punishable offence. That is if the three months duration of the law is not extended. The Executive Instrument, E.I. 164 came into force on 14th June, 2020. By it, the President instructed everyone to wear a face mask, face shield or any face covering for three months.
This, according to science, was the most reliable means of protecting yourself and others from contracting Covid-19. This is a public health matter, so failing to wear a mask and not ensuring it covers the nose and mouth completely, while in public, is punishable by a fine of between ¢12,000 and ¢60,000 and/or going to jail for four to 10 years.
By another E.I. 134, the President banned political rallies while permitting political activities – whatever that means. Political activities could go on but the gathering must not exceed 100 people who are observing all the Covid-19 enhanced protocols including wearing a mask and keeping a distance. In his last broadcast, his 15th, he did away with the limit of 100 participants.
Here is my point, the directives have been observed more in breach than compliance, and the politicians need it this way. Many are not wearing the mask and they can’t be bothered because the law is not being enforced. Now the politicians are crisscrossing the country and addressing crowds. In these crowds are many who conduct themselves as though the law has already expired and covid-19 gone.
My Take today is a plea to you to stop risking your life because covid-19 is still around and has killed over 260 people in Ghana. Your life must be worth more than the ambition of certain politicians of today whose drive is not to improve the lives of others but what they can gain privately using public office and corruptly.
Samson Lardy ANYENINI
August 22, 2020
Latest Stories
-
Celestine Donkor speaks on report of undergoing weight loss surgery
4 mins -
Bright Simons: The SML defence “falls flat”
11 mins -
We need long term macroeconomic stability to build a strong and vibrant economy – Deloitte Boss
11 mins -
Adomaa Adjeman to make theatre debut as Aku Sika in Prof Martin Owusu’s epic
13 mins -
U.S. government supports Ghanaian partners to protect Intellectual Property
19 mins -
Eric Johnson
25 mins -
Tanzania denies abuse reports as World Bank halts funds
33 mins -
2024 polls: The person I defeated twice can’t succeed me – Akufo-Addo
40 mins -
NBA: Miami Heat beat Boston Celtics to even series
48 mins -
Two sentenced for stealing over 1,000 bags of rice
54 mins -
Zulu monarchy in row over king’s praise singer
57 mins -
Xavi to remain as Barcelona coach until at least June 2025
59 mins -
2Pac’s estate threatens to sue Drake over use of late rapper’s AI-generated voice
1 hour -
Yaw Nsarkoh: The President’s letter on the KPMG (SML) Report
1 hour -
Manasseh’s praise and criticism of Akufo-Addo’s action on the SML scandal
1 hour