COVID-19: GMA wants President not lift ban on social gathering

The Ghana Medical Association is urging President Akufo-Addo not to lift the ban on social gatherings including religious activities, schools, marriages and funerals as the country continues to record high numbers of COVID-19 cases.

The association also wants the President to ensure that all Ghanaians comply with all COVID-19 protocols.

Ban

The ban was first imposed on March 15 by the President and was due to expire on April 27. At the time, Ghana had recorded six cases of COVID-19.

The President however on April 26, this year, further extended the ban on social gathering for another two weeks. 

The ban affects all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, church activities.

Statement

In a statement on Saturday, May 9, 2020, the GMA said "Non-adherence to the COVID-19 preventive measures at this point in our collective fight agaisnt the disease has a huge potential to erode any gains made so far."

It added "This also has the propensity to escalate further spread of the disease."

The association said the seeming disregard for all the preventive measures put in placed by large sections of the population is a major threat to curtailing the disease in the country.

The GMA also implored the government to ensure prompt and continuous distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to all health workers at the various institutions at all times.