NPP Primaries: GMA calls for arrest of persons who flouted COVID-19 protocols

The Ghana Medical Association is calling for the arrest of persons who flouted the Coronavirus safety protocols during the recent parliamentary primaries of the NPP.

Additionally, the group says the CEO of the National Identification Authority should be held accountable for any breaches of safety protocols during the ongoing distribution of the Ghana card.

In a press statement detailing a review of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the GMA said identifiable individuals who flouted the precautionary measures should be apprehended and prosecuted by the Police.

"The Ghana Medical Association strongly condemns the lack of observation of safety protocols during the recently held primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)," the release said.

"The GMA believes that such an attitude as exhibited does not help in the fight against the spread of the COVID-19 disease. Indeed identifiable individuals, who took part in throwing all the precautionary measures prescribed by the Ghana Health Service and for that matter Government to the dogs, should be apprehended and prosecuted by the Police according to the dictates of the law".

NIA card distribution

The GMA also bemoaned the lack of safety protocols that have characterised the National Identification Authority’s ongoing exercise to distribute National Identification Cards at various parts of the country.

"The GMA would like to remind the NIA of their responsibility to keep Ghanaians safe and protect them from contracting the COVID-19 disease through this exercise.

"The Chief Executive Officer of the NIA should be held accountable for any breaches of safety protocols at the various centres".

PPE shortage

Another major concern for the group is the challenge being faced by health professionals in accessing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

According to them, this has contributed significantly to large numbers of health professionals getting infected in the line of duty.

They implored the government to address the supply chain challenges and provide the "needed PPE’s (both in quality and quantity) at all times to address the recurrent inadequacy of PPE’s at health facilities".

Read the entire statement below;