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We’ll ease COVID-19 restrictions … if pandemic associated deaths reduce – President
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appealed to the public to remain disciplined and adhere to the measures introduced by the government to fight the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“The most effective method for us to deal with this virus is our own self discipline. The protocols of hygiene, social distancing, not shaking hands, protecting our selves, wearing the face masks…these are the short, medium and long term solution to the proliferation of the virus,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo said this when the chiefs and queen mothers of the Anlo Traditional Area in the Volta Region called on him at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday.
He stressed the need to get the message of self discipline to everybody in the country so that everyone will be aware of the measures they need to take to protect themselves from the virus.
“If we adhere to these protocols, the hygiene, the social distancing, the washing of the hands and sanitisers, I’m confident that we will overcome this virus. But we need to work at it, and work at it together,” he said.
He entreated the public to always be on the guard and protect themselves and everyone around them against the outbreak of the pandemic.
President Akufo-Addo noted that the government will consider easing the restrictions imposed if the rate of deaths associated with the pandemic reduces.
“Fortunately for us, the number of people who have died from the disease is very small. Each death is unfortunate but nevertheless, the numbers in Ghana are small,” he said noting that the number of people in serious conditions is also very small.
“If it continues that way, then it gives us the opportunity to be looking at how we can ease many of the restrictions that is making life very difficult,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo pledged to construct a hospital and a police station for the people of Anlo and expressed gratitude to them for supporting his administration, especially in this COVID-19 crisis.
The leader of the delegation from Kome and Shime Traditional Area of Anlo, Togbui Kumasah Agbotadua, thanked the President for the recognition given to the people of the area with the creation of the Anloga District Assembly.
“We also thank you for giving us an indefatigable and hardworking son of ours as the Anloga District Chief Executive. Mr President we thank you very much,” he said.
He said the people of the area have faith in the leadership of President Akufo-Addo.
BY YAW KYEI
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced its return to the platforms of Media General following what it describes as successful reconciliation talks between the two sides.
The party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Koduah, made the announcement during an interview on one of the company’s programmes, TV3.
His appearance marks the end of a standoff that kept the NPP away from the media house for about a year.
Mr. Frimpong Koduah explained that after the elections, the party decided to stay away from the station until further notice.
He said during that period, there were several discussions between the party and the management of Media General to resolve their differences.
According to him, the party’s Director of Communications was instructed to issue an official statement confirming that the NPP had “smoked the peace pipe” with Media General and would return to its platforms.
“As General Secretary and chief spokesperson of the party, I needed to appear on the show for the rank and file of our party to know that indeed the NPP is back to Media General,” he said.
He added that party members should not be alarmed when they see NPP communicators appearing on the station’s programmes.
He stressed that the decision to return is official and based on a gentleman’s agreement reached by both parties.
Mr. Frimpong Koduah noted that both the political party and the media house need each other to function effectively in a democracy.
He expressed hope that going forward, there would be mutual respect and a level playing field in their relationship.
He urged the media house to engage the right party officials when seeking the NPP’s position on national issues.
According to him, some individuals in the past claimed to speak for the party but did not represent its official position.
In a related development, management of Media General issued a statement welcoming the NPP’s decision to return.
The statement said the company has consistently upheld high standards of journalism ethics, fearless reporting and impartial coverage.
The company assured the public of its continued commitment to truth and fairness.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Government Communicator , Dr Sammy Ayeh, has defended the decision to recall Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal, amid public debate over alleged vote buying issues linked to the Ayawaso contest.
Dr Ayeh dismissed suggestions that the recall should be compared to the case of Hajia Amina Adam, who has been mentioned by some commentators as a government appointee.
He argued that the comparison does not hold because the two roles are not the same.
He questioned claims that Hajia Amina Adam serves on three boards, stating that only the Hajj Board has been publicly identified.
He indicated that there was no clear evidence to support assertions that she holds multiple board positions.
According to Dr Ayeh, Baba Jamal’s former position as High Commissioner carried a different level of responsibility.
He explained that a high commissioner represents the President and Ghana’s image abroad, which he described as distinct from board membership.
He maintained that the recall should therefore not be interpreted as unfair or inconsistent treatment.
In his view, the nature of Baba Jamal’s diplomatic role justified separate consideration.
By: Jacob Aggrey
