The commander in chief of the Ghana Armed Forces has imposed practically analysed restrictions on movement of people in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions of Ghana. These sanctions stands as part of measures to prevent the further spread of the novel corona virus.
In his fourth address to the nation over the corona virus on Friday night the president said that, “This, in essence, means that everyone resident in these areas must stay at home for the next two weeks” but then in as much as staying home has been made a must, the president stated categorically that if one must go out, it must only be to get essential items such as food, medicine, water, undertake banking transactions or to use public toilet facilities..
He said, “during this period, no intercity movement of vehicles and aircraft for private or commercial purposes for the areas affected by the restrictive measures except for vehicles and aircraft providing essential services and those carrying cargo. Riders of motorbikes are not allowed to carry any additional person and all intracity passenger vehicles such as trotros and taxis must reduce the number of passengers in order to observe appropriate social distancing and hygiene protocols. Additionally, all commercial vehicle stations shall observe appropriate hygiene protocols and social distancing”.
He also said markets are to ensure social distancing and enhanced hygiene protocols.
“In any event, only persons involved in the food value chain can operate in the markets during this period”.
However, he noted, “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; staff of VALCO, road and railway construction workers, mining workers, fisherfolk, members of the security agencies assigned lawful duties, staff of ECG, GWCL, telcos, e-commerce and digital service providers and staff of fuel stations”.
Even though the President left out the media as one of those exempted from the lockdown, his Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah later tweeted that the media is exempted.
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