In his seventh address to the Nation prior to the first two cases confirmed, the President, Nana Akufo-Addo lifted the restriction on movement of people in Team, Accra, Kasoa, and Kumasi. But the ban on public gatherings and the closure of our borders to an additional two 2 weeks is reinforced to curtail the spread of the Virus.
The President stated that his decision was based on the country’s “ability to undertake aggressive contact tracing of infected persons, the enhancement of our capacity to test, the expansion in the numbers of our treatment and isolation centres” and his concern for the lockdown’s “severe impact on the poor and vulnerable”.
So as of today, Ghana is the first African country to ease its lockdown whilst other countries are extending theirs. And this has gotten the people of Ghana talking. What is our Government up to? Why ease up now when the infection count has reached over 1000? From my research on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as interviews with the individual, many Ghanaians are unhappy and upset.
The President stated in one of his addresses that as for the Economy, it can be fixed but for the humans’ life, it can’t be restored therefore we must all adhere to the lockdown. But then we ask, now that the restriction on movement has been lifted, does that mean that the government has found a way to restore human lives when the virus is still out there and the cure has not been found?
Then there is the issue of the funds fathered for COVID-19 and the money received from the World Health Organization (WHO). If we have enough, why then are we worried about the economy and its stability.
The President’s decision has made many people disturbed.
They are asking questions; which comes first, the people or the stability of our economy? The economy is important, do not get me wrong, but what benefit is it to the people if they are no longer alive. Do dead bodies make money?
In difficult situations like these, it is true that the State has a responsibility to protect her citizens. It is said that in times of chaos it is the people first. And this is done by their actions and inactions.
As you are free to move, remember, it could be your warranty to death. I will advise that you lock yourself down because there are better days ahead for you.
If you must go out for essentials, ensure you wear your mask, wash hands and sanitize.
Edem Cedar – African Post Online
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Edem is a writer and loves to read. He believes that writing is an instrument of expression and an advocator of ideologies that can cause significant changes to our current dispensation and the future.
