Former President John Dramani Mahama has asked government to adequately resource the utility companies in the country, to enable them fully deliver on the interventions announced by President Akufo-Addo.

He made these comments at a brief ceremony in Accra, to hand over food items for onward distribution to about 20,00 households.

President Akufo-Addo on the night of April 9, announced three months of free electricity for consumers of a particular category, to make up for lost income following the coronavirus lockdown in Accra, Kasoa, Tema and Kumasi.

In addition, the President said the government will also absorb 50% of electricity bills for consumers in residential areas as well as those engaged in commercial activities during the period, using their March 2020 bill as the benchmark.

While acknowledging that the country is entering a new phase where there is the beginning of a horizontal spread of the disease, Mr Mahama called for an accelerated effort in order to kick Covid-19 out of the country.

“In order for us to realise the needed benefits from the subsidies on the electricity tariffs announced, I urge the President to assure and fund the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the power producers, to enable them to discharge their duties without interruptions due to inadequate funds to purchase fuel to produce power.

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress also made a case for security personnel enforcing the lockdown in the line of the prompt provision of rations and allowances to augment their efforts.

“Our security personnel have been complaining, not only about the quality and frequency of food rations but also their allowance...their Covid-19 duty allowance. It is important for government to address this urgently in order to maintain the morale of the officers and men engaged in this important national exercise," the NDC flagbearer said.

He also wants similar level of urgency attached to the provision of personal protective equipment to prevent the transmission to officers in their line of duty.

Mr Mahama also called on the government to use the opportunity to increase employment in the health sector by roping in health graduates who are home yet to be engaged by the Ministry of Health.