Dr. Saddick Abubakar Ahmed, a communications expert has intimated that, there seem to be some complacency with regards to the adherence to the COVID-19 protocols attributing it to the current surge in the case count in the country.
His comment comes on the back of the recent surge in the COVID-19 cases across the country which has been attributed to the Christmas and New years’ festivities.
He then stated that, what authorities can do is to appeal and hope citizens adhere to the measures laid out.
Touching on communication with regards to the measures and protocol to mitigate the spread of the virus, he commended the President and admonished that, if there is continuity in his constant communication [which is the updates on measures taken against the spread of coronavirus], the citizens will heed and adhere to all safety measures.
“We all know the attention this update use to get. Anytime he comes on television to talk, people stop whatever they are doing to come and listen to him, so he must come back.”
He further indicated that, the country cannot afford or go back into investing new resources into fighting against the pandemic adding that, the economy as it stands is not in good shape.
“This is not in the best shape, if we allow this to come, the economy will not be in the best shape.”
He admonished Ghanaians to adhere to protocols and reduce the large gatherings to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Speaking also on the panel, Muftaw Mumuni Muftaw, a security analyst also indicated the fact that, there had been a false impression created on the COVID case across the country and convincing people that there are still cases of COVID-19 in the country will be difficult.
“If you look at the events that happened in the last four to six weeks, looking at the elections, the parties that went on and the celebrations especially those that involved key public officers and leaders disregarding the protocols, it will be difficult to convince a significant number of people that there is COVID.”
He also iterated the fact that there was the necessity of ramping up activities particularly with communication around the virus to help mitigate the spread.
Touching on school reopening he called for adequate education and sensitization for the various students to help curb COVID-19.
Ghana’s COVID-19 case count currently stands at 1,261, according to latest figures from the Ghana Health Service. The total number of confirmed cases stands at 56, 230 after the GHS recorded an additional 193 new cases as at 7 January 2021. So far, 54, 631 persons have recovered and have been discharged with the death toll standing at 338.
Commenting on the recent surge, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) said the country is not overwhelmed despite recent surge in cases.
He noted that, the surge could largely be attributed to poor adherence to coronavirus protocols during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
