The president of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwah has issued the directive for the lockdown of Greater Accra Region, Kasoa Municipally and Kumasi metropolis for the next two weeks.
President Nana Akufo-Addo made the declaration in a national address delivered on Friday, March 27, 2020.
According to the President of the land, the lockdown will start from 1 am on Monday, 31st March 2020 and will run for 2 weeks subject to constant review.
Municipalities to be affected by this lockdown in Accra include;
1. Accra Metropolis;
2. Tema Metropolis;
3. Tema West Municipality;
4. Ledzokuku Municipality;
5. Krowor Municipality;
6. Adentan Municipality;
7. Ashiaman Municipality;
8. La-Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality;
9. La-Dade-Kotopon Municipality;
10. Okaikwei North Municipality;
11. Ablekuma North Municipality;
12. Ablekuma West Municipality;
13. Ablekuma Central Municipality;
14. Ayawaso East Municipality;
15. Ayawaso North Municipality;
16. Ayawaso West Municipality;
17. Ayawaso Central Municipality
18. Ga West Municipality;
19. Ga North Municipality;
20. Ga Central Municipality;
21. Ga South Municipality;
22. Ga East Municipality;
23. Korle-Klottey Municipality;
24. Weija/Gbawe Municipality;
25. Kpone Katamanso Municipality; and
26. Awutu Senya East Municipality.
Affected areas in Kumasi include;
1. Kumasi Metropolis;
2. Asokwa Municipality;
3. Suame Municipality;
4. Old Tafo Municipality;
5. Oforikrom Municipality;
6. Asokore Mampong Municipality;
7. Kwadaso Municipality;
8. Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality;
9. Kwabre East Municipality;
10. Ejisu Municipality;
11. Afigya-Kwabre South District;
12. Bosomtwi District;
13. Atwima Kwanwoma District; and
14. Atwima Nwabiagya North District.
What does the partial lockdown in these areas mean?
- This means that everyone resident in these areas must stay at home for the next two weeks or 14 days, However, if you must go out, it must only be to get essential items such as food, water, medicine, undertake banking transactions, or to use public toilet facilities. But, as much as possible, stay at home.
- There shall be, during this period, no inter-city movement of vehicles and aircraft for private or commercial purposes for the areas of the restrictive measures, except for vehicles and aircrafts providing essential services and those carrying cargo.
- Riders of motorbikes are not allowed to carry any additional person, and all intra-city passenger vehicles, such as trotros and taxis, must reduce the number of passengers to observe appropriate social distancing and hygiene protocols.
- All commercial vehicle stations shall observe appropriate hygiene protocols and social distancing.
Which people are expected to work during the partial lockdown?
Individuals and institutions providing the following services shall be exempted from the restrictions:
- Members of the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary;
- Production, distribution and marketing of food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, medicine, paper and plastic packages.
- Environmental and sanitation activities
- VALCO staff
- Road and Railway
- construction workers
- Mining workers
- Fisherfolk
- Members of the security agencies assigned lawful duties
- The staff of electricity, water, telecommunications, e-commerce and digital service providers; and
- Fuel stations staff.
Thedistin.com however, wishes to encourage its readers and every Ghanaian to take care of their health and that of their families by adhering to the following precautionary measures:
1. Clean hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
2. Avoid shaking hands.
3. Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow.
4. Avoid close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.