The General Secretary of the Ghana Christian Council, Reverend Dr. Cyril Fayose has intimated that the ban on gatherings especially weddings celebrations as directed by the President, Nana Akufo-Addo is a bit problematic.
Speaking on an Accra based radio station today, February 2, 2020, he explained that, with the last restrictions imposed on gatherings, as part of the measures directed by the government, some considerations were made to limit the number of people at every occasion. And there was notice to enable people prepare but this time around, there was none.
“When we did the lockdown the last time we were given some prior notice, so we could prepare for it. This one, even though it is not a full lockdown, to say that weddings should not be celebrated all of a sudden, is a bit problematic.”
He further expressed reservations about government’s directive to ban weddings in an attempt to control the recent upsurge in COVID-19 cases across the country, noting that members of the church will still comply with the President’s directives.
“My initial personal reaction is that, I think it is in place with the surge and new variants of the COVID-19 that, we increase restrictions, and we must all work with government to ensure that.”
Rev Dr. Fayose lamented on the fact that, it seems the church has become an easy target for imposing restrictions in attempt to enforce coronavirus protocols.
“I think the restrictions were on public gathering generally, but in most cases, it looks like the church is an easy target for enforcing these restrictions. But I don’t think the church is one of the sources of the spike in infection.”
His comment comes on the back of various claims that, most of the COVID-19 cases come from the church. He then stressed that, most churches have religiously adhered to COVID-19 protocols during their services.
“In fact, the church has been one of the most disciplined organisations as far as observation of the restrictions are concerned. So, I will take an issue with someone who says that they thought it is the church.”
He further disagreed with claims that, most churches were not enforcing the safety measures during services. However, the religious leader promised that he will work with government to ensure they enforce the new restrictions going forward.
“I think that we have a problem. So, we must all come on board, put our shoulder on the wheel and give every support to the government to solve the problem.”
Rev, Dr. Fayose then noted that, his outfit through the churches will make sure protocols are enforced and various educational activities undertaken.
Touching on preparedness towards the new restrictions especially with funerals, he said much had not been put in place due to the fact that the notice came on their blind side and is also taking effect immediately.
The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his 23rd address to the nation placed a ban on funerals, weddings and concerts as part of efforts to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
