President Akufo-Addo has issued a directive for the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to direct officers of the Ghana Police Service to ensure the rigorous enforcement of the law on mask-wearing at all public places.

This directive comes as a result of the surge in Covid-19 cases and death rate after the Christmas holiday celebrations.

“In furtherance of this, I have instructed the Inspector General of Police to direct officers, men and women of the Police Service to ensure the rigorous enforcement of the law on mask-wearing at all public places and in public transport,” he said in a Sunday night address to the country in measures adopted in the fight against the pandemic.

He also directed the Ghana Police Service to ensure that all night clubs, pubs, cinemas and beaches that break the law of mask-wearing are closed.

“They are also to ensure the closure of all night clubs, pubs, cinemas and beaches that may be operating in defiance of the law. They will be assisted by the other security agencies, if need be.”

Based on detailed investigations disclosed by the President during the 22nd Covid-19 address, “apart from arriving passengers at our airport who tested positive, the surge in Covid-19 cases is due to people not wearing masks at public gatherings, parties, weddings, end of year office programs, family get-togethers and funerals.

“At these gatherings, most of them abandoned the use of the masks, and were engaged in actions that led to them contracting the virus.”

The President also urged persons in market places, work places, and operators of public transport to observe the hygiene and safety protocols and entreated them to wear nose masks since it is mandatory.

Meanwhile, Regulatory Agencies have been authorized to undertake random checks to ensure that people and places conform to the Covid-19 rules. Facilities and institutions that flout these directives will be immediately prohibited and sanctioned.

“Should any facility or institution fail to comply with these directives, its activities will be immediately prohibited, and appropriate sanctions applied,” he said.

Furthermore, he warned Ghanaians that persons arrested by security agencies on the basis of not wearing nose masks will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.

“It is important that I remind all Ghanaians that severe punishments exist on our statute books for persons breaking the law on the mandatory wearing of masks.”