Playback: Akufo-Addo’s 9th address to the nation on coronavirus crisis

President Akufo-Addo on Sunday evening addressed the nation on the measures taken against the spread of coronavirus in the country.

This was the President’s ninth address since the outbreak of the disease in Ghana.

Prior to this address, many have called for the ban on social gatherings – which is in the eighth week – to be lifted.

The extended ban which expires on Monday, May 11, 2020, has affected public gatherings including church activities, political rallies, workshops, conferences, burials, festivals and other related activities.

When President Akufo-Addo extended the ban by two weeks on April 26, he said the decision was backed by science and data also has the support of some stakeholders in the country including the Council of State, the Ghana Journalists Association, Trades Union Congress, National House of Chiefs, and the National Union of Ghana Students.

“The strong consensus that emerged from this and other consultations is that the existing measures must be maintained for now, until we have a firm grip on the movement of the virus. This consensus is supported by data and science and I am also very much of this view.

“I have, accordingly by Executive Instrument, extended for another two weeks, the suspension of all public and social gatherings as set out in the Executive Instrument number 64 of March 15, 2020 effective tomorrow, 1 am Monday April 27,” the President added.

At the time, Ghana has 1,550 Covid-19 cases. As of May 9, however, Ghana has 4,263 confirmed cases.

It remains to be seen if the ban will be lifted or not.