The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has ordered all beaches in the country to close down with immediate effect.

This is to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease.

Ghana has so far recorded 27 confirmed cases of the global pandemic with one death.

A statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Akwasi Agyemang, copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the decision was a precautionary measure taken to avoid public gathering.

“The GTA with support of the National Security and Ghana Police Service will begin patrols of the beaches from Tuesday, March 24, to ensure compliance with the directive,” the statement warned.

The statement further advised the public and tourist facility operators to be mindful of the precautionary measure since it was in their own interest.