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.”
Latest Stories
-
Man fakes his own kidnapping to hide infidelity from girlfriend
10 hours -
Accra 2023: LOC presents transportation plan to Technical Committee of African Games
10 hours -
My fashion career was birthed after deferring my course due to my father’s death – Elikem The Tailor
10 hours -
Meet 6 inspiring SHS girls who defied the odds to become community service champions
11 hours -
Opticians in Ghana decry lack of tools for professionals under training
11 hours -
EC can extend registration for peace to prevail in Bawku – CODEO
12 hours -
Niger attack: Soldiers killed by hundreds of jihadists in Kandadji
12 hours -
Acting was never my plan, it just happened – Mawuli Gavor
12 hours -
2023 GFA Elections: George Afriyie files application for injunction on Elective Congress
12 hours -
Ken Agyapong will support Bawumia if he loses – Government spokesperson on governance
12 hours -
Senior Police officers in Oforikrom receive training on RTI Act
12 hours -
This Saturday on Newsfile
12 hours -
Genser Energy donates gas turbine to Takoradi Technical University
12 hours -
Ghanaian medical anthropologist Prof Margaret Gyapong is co-elected president of RSTMH
13 hours -
The aim was to break me down – French envoy to Niger
13 hours