President cautions public against disregard for Covid-19 protocols

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed worry about the manner in which Ghanaians have let their guards down in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in an upsurge of cases.

“As we continue to count on the grace of God to protect our country from the ravages of the pandemic, like we have done since its outbreak, we can only minimise its effects and avoid a full blown third wave if we continue to be responsible and observe the hygiene and safety protocols,” he said.

The President said this yesterday in an address to mark this year’s Eid-ul Adha celebration at the newly-commissioned Ghana National Mosque Complex at Kanda in Accra.

He also stressed that the recent increase in the number of infections could only mean a disregard for safety protocols by the citizens.

President Akufo-Addo regretted Ghanaians had let their guards down, “and we 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 and every one of us receives a double dose of the vaccine, the protocols must continue to be a part and parcel of our daily activities,” he said.

MoH on course

He stressed that even with the global shortage of vaccines, the Ministry of Health is tirelessly working to ensure that the target to vaccinate the adult population of the country is achieved on schedule.

“Until that goal is achieved, I will continue to count on the support of the Ghanaian people to ensure our collective security,” he stated.

Whilst urging the Muslim community to subdue all celebrations associated with the Islamic feast, he implored all to keep up their guard in order for the country not to erode the gains it made from the measures taken by the government to contain the effect of the disease when it broke out early last year.

Economy still robust

Ghana, he noted, is recovering from the scourge of the pandemic, faring better than many other countries devastated by the disease. He said all must be done to preserve those gains, which had kept investors’ confidence in the nation’s economy, with many more seeking to pitch camp in Ghana.

Drawing on the lessons of the Eid-ul Adha, the President said the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, which was being celebrated, “must spur us on to sacrifice for the progress and development of our society in our various areas of endeavour.”

“We must make matters of national interest paramount in anything we do,” he emphasised.

The President asked the Muslim community to use the period of devotion to “remember our nation”, and pray for wisdom and guidance for the government “so that we can steer the ship of state in manner that allows us to navigate the stormy and turbulent economic and other challenges that confront our nation and the world.”

President Akufo-Addo affirmed that he would always be on the side of Ghana, and would never act in any manner that would serve as a disadvantage for the people.

Support for Zongos

The President spoke on the need for Ghanaians to maintain the peace and religious harmony existing in the country.

He urged all citizens to be tolerant of one another “so that we can create a free, conducive atmosphere for the development of our nation.”

The President pledged to support the continuous development of Zongo communities.

He urged the youth in the Zongo communities to take advantage of the many empowerment initiatives and opportunities to develop their talents and contribute to national development.

“We see Zongo communities as a place of great talent, which can be harnessed for the development of the Zongo communities and the entire country. Zongo residents have a proud history of contributing to the development of our country, and I urge you to follow in the footsteps of your forebears,” he appealed.