President Nana Akufo-Addo has expressed concern about the recent increase in COVID-19 infections in the country.
He thus urged citizens to strictly comply with the safety protocols to avoid a full-blown third wave.
Ghana has recorded 343 new cases of COVID-19. The latest numbers take the total active case count presently to 3,142.
Concerned stakeholders have therefore called for strict compliance to the safety protocols.
Health facilities are beginning to see an increase in admissions.
The Ghana Health Service as a result has organized a crisis management meeting to deal with the situation
Speaking at the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations at the National Central mosque at Kanda in Accra, President Akufo-Addo stated that the only way to minimize the spread of the virus is to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 protocols and be safe.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, unfortunately. This means that for the second year running we are having to hold a subdued Eid celebration. As we continue to count on the grace of God to protect our country from the ravages of the pandemic like he has since its outbreak, we can only minimize its health effects and avoid a full-blown third wave if we continue to be responsible and observe the safety and hygiene protocols.”
He added that a collective effort is required to curb the spread of the virus.
“The recent increase in the number of infections is a source of worry for me and indeed for all Ghanaians. From the rising numbers, it is safe to conclude that we have let our guard down and are beginning to live our lives and conduct our businesses as though we are in normal times. It is important to repeat that the virus is still with us and until each one of us receives a dose of the vaccine, the protocols must continue to be a part and parcel of our daily activities,” he added.
COVID cases in Kumasi
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), has disclosed that 10 persons who contracted COVID-19 within the last two weeks in the municipality have died.
The Assembly has also recorded over 200 cases at different treatment centres between 1st to 13th July 2021.
Speaking to Citi News, the Public Relations Officer of the KMA, Henrietta Afia Konadu Aboagye, said the new Delta variant was detected in the metropolis in December 2020.
She also called on various stakeholders to intensify education and sensitization of the COVID-19 virus.
“After the festive season, we realized a lot of people were coming in with a lot of cases, but later we realised that people were coming in with the new Delta variant. The Public Health Committee that is helping the Assembly with the outbreak has recorded over 200 cases.”
“This number is too huge for this short period; so we are drawing the attention of the public not to relax with the protocols so that we are able to curtail the infection rate”, she added.
The management of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) also issued a public alert to the university community over the “astronomical upsurge” in COVID-19 cases on the campus.
The alert, addressed to College Registrars, urged them to ensure that all veronica buckets are filled and used.
The Colleges were also directed to ensure strict compliance with the hand hygiene protocols and also the wearing of nose masks.
Ghana, as of July 20, 2021, has 3,281 active COVID-19 cases with 815 deaths.