The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaians to act and live responsibly during the festive seasons as the country is witnessing a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases following the discovery of the Omicron variant in the country.

Delivering his Christmas message to Ghanaians, President Akufo-Addo stated that strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols should be paramount during the festive season.

“As Christmas fills our hearts with gratitude, let us not forget that COVID-19 is still very much in our midst. The number of active cases is currently on the rise. So, let us act and live responsibly, let us continue to adhere to the protocols of social distancing, enhanced hygiene and mask-wearing”.
President Akufo-Addo

The President stated that the country has taken delivery of enough COVID-19 vaccines and as such Ghanaians must take the jab to help the country reach herd immunity. He thus asked unvaccinated Ghanaians to get vaccinated, saying it is the surest way to contain the virus.

He stated that the nation has for nearly two years been wearing masks, avoiding shaking hands and using sanitizers, which have been uncomfortable experiences for everyone even though they have helped to keep us safe.

“The science tells us that getting vaccinated is the most effective way to defeat the virus and go back to our normal way of life, re-open fully our economy and return our nation onto the path of progress and prosperity. Government has succeeded in securing considerable quantities of vaccines for the country, numbering nearly twenty-three million (23 million) doses so far. So, I entreat all those who have not been vaccinated to do so. Our responsibility to one another requires that we be vaccinated”.
President Akufo-Addo

COVID-19 affected the economy

President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that it has adversely affected the economy. He, however, added that the government’s timely measures revitalized the economy and saved it from collapse.

“This is the stark reality of the situation, not an excuse. Indeed, but for the bold and timely measures put in place by the government to cushion Ghanaians against the worst effects of the pandemic, our situation would have been more precarious”.
President Akufo-Addo

According to the President, for the purposes of propaganda and narrow partisan and parochial interests, some persons would have citizens believe that the difficulties the nation is facing is purely a Ghanaian phenomena, made by the NPP government under his leadership.

“Pay no heed to such persons. They know the truth, but cannot speak it”.
President Akufo-Addo

President Akufo-Addo admonished drivers to ensure they avoid road accidents calling for a safe and accident-free Christmas.

“Let us all celebrate the season safely and responsibly. It is my fervent hope that this Christmas will be celebrated without any road accidents. Drivers must minimize their speed, take due precaution for other road users , drive without the influence of alcohol and wear their seat belts, and please in the name of Christian charity, remember to help those who are less fortunate.”
President Akufo-Addo