Ghanaian actor and politician, John Dumelo has intimated that the ‘No-vaccine-No-entry’ directive announced by the then Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey does not make sense.
John Dumelo who thinks this directive doesn’t make sense argues that the directive would infringe on the rights of Ghanaians who are not interested in getting vaccinated. According to John, who is convinced that the directive is not going to work, questioned how can one tell if another is truly vaccinated or not? He explained that just showing the card doesn’t prove or authenticate that people have actually been vaccinated since they can use dubious means to just get the card.
“No, it won’t work. That’s it. It’s not going to work. Number one, how would you know who is vaccinated or not. If I show you my card, how do you know I am vaccinated? Were you there when I went to the hospital for the injection?”
John Dumelo
Suggesting instances of how some people can easily fake taking the vaccine just to get the card to show that they have been vaccinated, John Dumelo said: “Let’s say I go to the hospital, and Kwame is the nurse. Then he gives me a fake injection with a card. The card is genuine, biodata, and all are printed on it. But how do you know that I have taken the injection or vaccine?”
The actor, who also doubles as an entrepreneur, further questioned what will be the fate of foreigners who don’t want the vaccine. John Dumelo then noted that he is advocating for the government to make provisions for those who do not want to get vaccinated. He however emphasized that he is not against people getting vaccinated but he believes people should also not be forced to do so.
“Let’s get it straight, I am not against vaccination. No, I am not. But I want to talk for those who don’t believe in the vaccine. That you shouldn’t disenfranchise them from enjoying because they don’t want the vaccine”.
John Dumelo
The Deputy Minter of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey in a recent interview announced that people without vaccination cards would not be allowed entries to social gatherings and events this December.
Mark Okraku Mantey in a recent interview outlined COVID-19 measures that the government is putting in place for the December festivities. This included vaccination cards before entry, social distancing, and handwashing protocols.
“Vaccination cards will be required to enter. You must show that you have been vaccinated to be able to enter. Age five and above would require a mask. Masks would be removed for special activities like eating and drinking”.
Mark Okraku Mantey
That notwithstanding, Mark Okraku Mantey also announced the country expects to receive over 150,000 tourists between now and the festive season for the ‘December in GH’ initiative.
So far, events such as Afrochella, Rhythms on the Runway, Taste of Ghana, Takoradi Festival, Kwanzaa in Ghana, Diaspora Transition, and GUBA awards have been authorized by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism Ministry ahead of ‘December in GH’ initiative which forms part of the ‘Beyond the Return’ drive by the government.
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