The Waala Traditional Council has with immediate effect cancelled all public events in the area including the performance of Friday Muslim congregational prayers, Juma'ah.

This was contained in a press release jointly signed by the Overload of the Waala Traditional Area, Naa Fuseini Pelpuo IV, the Yari Naa, Saliu Moomin Sungumo and the Regional Chief Imam, Osman Mumuni Kanihi.

Their decision is based on President Akufo-Addo’s directives to suspend all public gatherings to prevent the curb the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“One day, three days, one week, 40 days funeral observations locally called 'Ansuma' and funerals in general in the Waala Traditional Area must be on hold indefinitely”, parts of the statement read.

The statement reiterated the President’s directives on burials, which is to be performed with not more than 25 people in attendance.

The Council further directs that “all public religious/spiritual programmes including daily prayers, Jummah prayers, weddings and all such gatherings are suspended for the next four weeks”.

Meanwhile, public engagements by chiefs within the traditional area are cancelled as appointments and visits to palaces in the area are banned except it is of extreme necessity.