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Let’s stop stigmatisation of COVID-19 victims
Ghanaians have been cautioned against stigmatising victims and families affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as such attitude would inhibit efforts to prevent the spread of the disease, but it seems the advice has fallen on deaf ears.
Despite the numerous sensitisation, people continue to stigmatise and shun victims of the disease who had been declared negative through series of tests and also continue to label those who have returned from abroad as contracting the disease.
Such victims go through psychological trauma as those in the community, instead of showing love to them, rather refuse to get close for fear that they might contract the disease.
The Spectator is concerned about the attitude of some residents in the Kwaiebibirim Constituency in the Eastern Region, who called on the chiefs and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to evacuate a man from the community whom they suspected of contracting the COVID-19.
According to the residents, the man had returned from one of the countries that have been hard hit by the virus, so they would not stay with him in the same area.
The fact is, those who returned from abroad were quarantined for two weeks and they underwent series of tests to establish their status, whether positive or negative. It implies that this man might have tested negative or had recovered if he initially tested positive.
The fear is that if people are stigmatised, it would prevent those with symptoms of the virus from visiting the hospital for testing, and that means more people would be infected in case that person had contracted the virus but does not know his or her status.
It will pose more danger to the communities as the virus will keep spreading. Currently, the country has 5,408 cases with 514 recoveries and 24 deaths, but those who have died were said to have underlining health issues.
The earlier this issue of stigmatisation is addressed the better it would be for everybody because we are all at risk, no matter one’s status, whether rich or poor.
In fact, we all need to be knowledgeable and abreast of how the disease is contracted and what to do to prevent it, instead of allowing ourselves to be bombarded with rumours which will eventually cause emotional pain and make life unbearable for others.
The Spectator supports the advice of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa North Constituency, Mrs Gifty Twum Ampofo, and urge the public “to stop the stigmatisation of coronavirus patients and rather show love and care towards them to motivate others to quickly visit the hospital or go to the testing centres if they have acquired the virus”.
Indeed, the public needs more education on the coronavirus pandemic to take informed decisions in the best interest of all.
The Spectator is of the view that one major issue to stop the stigmatisation is to keep the privacy of those who may be part of the contact tracing and also those seeking health care.
Hopefully, a lot of people have recovered and Ghanaians have been informed by health experts that although there is no vaccine, the virus does not kill instantly.
The Ministry of Information (MoI) and the GHS should constantly sensitise people more in the local dialect to ensure that the citizenry are well-informed on the disease and what it means to declare a person as recovered.
Let us stop the stigmatisation against COVID-19 victims and rather show love to them to build their self-esteem and to prevent the spread of the disease.
Above all, let us adhere to the health protocols by washing our hands regularly with soap under running water, using hand sanitisers and wearing face masks among others.
The Attorney General has filed an application at the High Court seeking to set aside an earlier order that allowed Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, the first accused in a pending criminal case, to travel to the United Kingdom for specialist medical treatment.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice said the application was filed on behalf of the Republic after new information came to the attention of prosecutors following the court’s decision on June 29, 2026.
According to the Office, the new developments significantly change the circumstances under which the court granted Mr. Aludiba permission to travel.
The Attorney General said court documents filed in support of the application allege that Mr. Aludiba attempted to use an order from a differently constituted High Court in a separate case to access money held in bank accounts that remain frozen under valid orders obtained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
The Office said the bank reportedly declined the attempted withdrawal and informed the investigative authorities.
According to the statement, the alleged attempt happened shortly before Mr. Aludiba was scheduled to leave Ghana.
It said the development raises concerns about compliance with existing court orders, the integrity of the ongoing criminal trial, and the possibility that he may not return to face trial if allowed to leave the country.
The Attorney General said these facts were not before the court when it granted the travel request and could influence its decision if they had been known.
It said the application is asking the High Court to reconsider its earlier decision in the interest of justice.
The Office stressed that the application is part of the normal legal process under Ghanaian law and does not seek to determine the outcome of the criminal case.
It noted that Mr. Aludiba continues to enjoy the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The statement further disclosed that following his arrest, Mr. Aludiba has been granted bail by the Economic and Organised Crime Office.
The Office of the Attorney General said it will not comment further because the matter is currently before the High Court.
It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting the integrity of criminal proceedings and ensuring due process for all accused persons.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has denied reports suggesting that GH¢308,000 was stolen from the Authority by one of its personnel.
In a statement, the DVLA said the money at the centre of the alleged theft case does not belong to the Authority and was not taken from any of its accounts.
According to the Authority, the case involves a personal dispute between two individuals, one of whom is a former National Service Personnel who currently works with the DVLA on contract.
It explained that although the individual is attached to the Authority, the alleged offence has no connection with its operations, finances or official duties.
The DVLA said it has not suffered any financial loss as a result of the incident and described media reports suggesting otherwise as inaccurate and misleading.
The Authority was reacting to a media publication with the headline: “DVLA Service Personnel allegedly steals GH¢308K to purchase Hyundai Elantra saloon car, a Samsung 50-inch television set and pay sibling’s school fees.”
It urged media organisations and the public to report the matter accurately to avoid creating the false impression that public funds belonging to the DVLA had been stolen.
The DVLA assured the public that its financial systems remain secure and that its operations have not been affected.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and accountability, adding that it has confidence in the legal process and will fully cooperate with the police if required.
By: Jacob Aggrey
