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COVID-19: Ghanaians reduce trips to short distances—Report
A latest report on mobility among the Ghanaian population has established a decrease in travels following the lifting of the two-week partial lockdown imposed in parts of the country to contain spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Assessing movements within regions and districts in hitherto restricted areas like the Greater Accra Region and Kumasi in the Ashanti Region as well as other areas around the country, the report found that though movements had slightly increased, it remains lower than the norm.
Generally, it noted that trips were mainly restricted to short distances and routine daily trips related to activities such as commuting to work, shopping and entertainment.
Jointly conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), Flowminder Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Vodafone Ghana, the report used data from mobile network operators to understand mobility patterns of the citizenry for decision making in managing the pandemic.
The organisations analysed the effects of mobility and social distancing interventions between February 17 and May 3, 2020, highlighting the differences in population movements before, during and after the mobility restrictions were introduced and lifted.
Government Statistician, Professor Samuel Annim, in a release copied to the Ghanaian Times yesterday, commended the public for showing discipline after the lockdown and not reverting to old ways of living.
“The observation that mobility after the partial lockdown was lifted remains at levels lower than mobility during the periods of the baseline and the initial restrictions, including sanctioning social distancing and adherence to public health hygienic protocols, endorses the effectiveness of the use of moral suasion as a complementary intervention in the fight against COVID-19.
“Residents in Ghana deserve commendation for not reverting to the ways of living prior to the imposition of the initial restrictions and are therefore urged to continue with change in behaviour in order to contain the epidemic,” he said.
Prof. Annim was confident the report will support policy making and decisions in government response to the pandemic moving forward.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vodafone Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai, noted that mobility insights was crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of measures put in place by government in fighting COVID-19.
She, thus, hoped that more research is focused in the area to support policy making.
On her part, Data Scientist at Flowminder, Tracey Li, observed that the overall trend in reduction of movement could be helpful in case management and treatment of COVID-19 cases.
As of yesterday, Ghana had a total of 5,735 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 1,754 recoveries and 29 deaths.
Of the number tested positive to the virus, 3,906 had come from contact tracing; 1,714 from routine surveillance and 115 from mandatory quarantine, meaning that contact tracing, was helping discover more infected persons in the country.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
FOR patrons at a special thanksgiving concert held in honour of parishioners, benefactors and friends at the St. Monica Catholic Rectory at Fan Milk, Accra, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo will continue to be seen as a man of many parts.
Usually seen dressed resplendently in his cassock, Rev. Fr. Bonaventure is known by the faithful as a preacher of the word despite his background in music.
But on this auspicious occasion, the Rector, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo, assumed the role of a conductor of the Central Ceremonial Band of the Ghana Police Service.
In front of the band wielding the conductor’s baton, Rev. Fr Bonaventure conducted the band as they gave a rendition of some of the spiritual hymns of the faithful, thrilling the audience in the event under the theme “An Evening of the Performing Arts in Thanksgiving to Beloved Parishioners, Benefactors and Friends.”
It was attended by the clergy, parishioners and invited guests for an evening that blended sacred reflection with artistic performance.
The Chaplain-General of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Very Rev. Fr George Arthur, opened the programme with prayer, while the closing benediction was given by Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Ebo Blay, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Society.
A highlight of the evening was a classical performance by Dr Kyoung Ok Kim of the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts, who reinterpreted Ghanaian melodies to the delight of the audience.
Ordained in 1990, Rev. Fr Quaidoo is a trained musician and former member of the National Symphony Orchestra. Over the past 35 years, he has served in the dioceses of Tamale, Damongo and Accra, integrating music into his pastoral ministry.
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THE 41st Farmers’ Day was held last Friday in the Volta Region, honouring outstanding farmers that contributed immensely in the sustenance of the country’s food basket.
This year’s celebration was themed “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future”, reflecting the government’s emphasis on strengthening food systems, promoting local consumption, and building long-term resilience in the agricultural sector.
It was attended by the President, John Dramani Mahama, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Ernest Opoku, Regional Ministers and Paramount Chief of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV.
The week-long observance began on December 1, at the Ho Sports Stadium with the official opening of the 2025 National Agricultural Fair.
An 82 year-old farmer, Mr Opanin Abraham Kwaku Adusei from Kwawu Odumase in the Afram Plains District of the Eastern Region, was adjudged the 2025 National Best Farmer.
President Mahama commended the farmers for their dedication and pivotal role in advancing the country’s agricultural sector.
The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, also attributed the current food glut to innovation and resilience of farmers.
Established in 1985, Farmers’ Day has grown into one of Ghana’s most significant national events—celebrating the enduring contributions of farmers and fishers to the nation’s development and economic stability.
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