President of the Republic of Ghana – H. E. Nana Akufo-Addo extends ban on public gatherings by two weeks

President Nana Akufo-Addo has extended the ban on public gatherings by an additional two weeks.

The President made this known during his eighth address to the nation on the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the country on Sunday, April 26, 2020.

The extension comes into full force on Monday, April 27, 2020, at 1:00 am.

President Akufo-Addo said the decision follows a strong consensus from some stakeholders in the country.

“The strong consensus that emerged from these 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 (2) weeks the suspension of all public and social gatherings, as set out in E.I 64 of 15th March 2020, effective tomorrow, 1 am, Monday, 27th April.,” he said.

The ban on all public gatherings was declared by President Akufo-Addo on March 15, 2020, in a televised broadcast for one month, which included conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, church activities, and other related events as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country.

It was further extended by two weeks upon its expiry.

The President in that broadcast gave a caveat that private burials were permitted however mourners present must not exceed 25.

“Private burials are permitted, but with limited numbers, not exceeding twenty-five (25) in attendance,” President Akufo-Addo said.

Already, schools have been shut down across the country. Most market places are open however under strict social-distancing protocols, the mandatory wearing of face mask, and the presence of handwashing facilities.

Some local assemblies have moved in to close markets where traders flout the social distancing directives.

Ghana’s confirmed cases of COVID-19
Ghana’s COVID-19 cases currently stand at 1,550. This is according to the Ghana Health Service’s latest update on Sunday, April 26, 2020.

Meanwhile, one more person has died while 21 additional recoveries have been confirmed.

Some of the new cases were confirmed in the Oti, Greater Accra, Ashanti, and the Central regions.