COVID-19: Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Maafo tests positive
The Senior Minister, Mr Yaw Osafo Maafo has tested positive for COVID-19.
This was announced today (July 7, 2020) by the Minister of Information, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah at a press briefing in Accra.
Mr Oppong Nkrumah stated that the disclosure was in consonance with the government's transparency and with the permission of Mr Osafo Maafo.
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He said: "In a separate development that has come to us this morning, Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Maafo has been informed that his sample given for test has been returned positive. He will therefore as of today commence treatment for COVID-19 from home...".
Government officials announce positive tests
Mr Osafo Maafo joins a list of some government officials who have announced the results of their COVID-19 tests.
The Minister of Health, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu and former Deputy Trade and Industry Ministry Minister, Mr Carlos Ahenkorah are the other government appointees who have publicly announced testing positive.
The disease has also claimed the life of the CEO of the Forestry Commission, Mr Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John. He reportedly died on July 1, 2020, from COVID-19 complications at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital where he had been in intensive care.
On June 24, 2020, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Okere, Mr Dan Botwe and the Minister for Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh also announced that they were awaiting results of their COVID-19 tests after they were admitted at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).
When quizzed about the results of these tests, Mr Oppong Nkrumah re-iterated that the government was not at liberty to reveal the status of its officials without approval from the individuals.
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President Akufo-Addo in third-day of isolation
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo is in day three of a 14-day precautionary self-isolation measure after a person in his inner circle tested positive for COVID -19.
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A statement by the Ministry of Information on July 4, 2020, said the President tested negative for COVID-19 but decided to self isolate “out of abundance” of caution.”
Providing an update on how the country is being run, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said President Akufo-Addo is using technology to conduct affairs of state from the Jubilee House.
"The President continues with his self-isolation while conducting affairs of state from the Presidential Villa of the Jubilee House... The President has been conducting state business via telephone and other technology and has been in particular following up on the COVID response Programme as well as the broader 2020 Workplan of his administration".