The President, Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo has announced that the closure of the country’s borders would be extended by one month.
Ghana first closed it borders – land, sea and air – for two weeks on Sunday, March 22, 2020 by an Executive Instrument, to human traffic to limit the risk of importation of COVID-19 into Ghana. It did not however affect goods, supplies and cargo.
The closure has been extended for at least two times – two weeks each – with the existing one expected to expire on the night of Sunday, May 3.
This is part of a number of measures adopted by government to curb the spread of coronavirus in Ghana.
Addressing Ghanaian workers as the world marks May Day to acknowledge workers on May 1, President Akufo-Addo declared the longest extension yet of Ghana’s border closure.
“Government has taken the decision to extend further the closure of our borders for a month effective 1:00 am Monday 4th May to Sunday 31st of May.”
The theme for the celebration is: “COVID-19 in Ghana: the Impact on Employment and Working Conditions”
The president acknowledged that majority of cases recorded in came from “travelers or contact of travelers”.
The decision may come as welcome news to many who want government to go all out in taking the best decision to curb the virus.
However, for some, like musician Sarkodie who are stuck in foreign countries and those who want to move out of Ghana, it would be a sad development for them.
Last week, rapper Sarkodie pleading with President Akufo-Addo to temporarily open the country’s borders for him to return home.
“Mr president @NAkufoAddo you’ve done so well with how you handling this pandemic , we appreciate your effort 🙏🏿 But please can we open the boarders for at least a day or two in between time for citizens stuck outside to get back pls 🙏🏿,” he tweeted.
As of April 30, Ghana has recorded 2,074 cases with 17 deaths and 212 recoveries.
Below is regional breakdown of Ghana’s cases
Greater Accra Region – 1,795
Ashanti Region – 99
Eastern Region – 70
Central Region – 21
Oti Region – 19
Upper East Region – 19
Volta Region – 16
Northern Region – 13
Upper West Region – 10
Western Region – 9
North East Region – 2
Western North Region – 1
Savannah Region – 0
Bono Region – 0
Ahafo Region – 0
Bono East Region – 0
By Isaac Essel | 3news.com | Ghana