Ghanaians are having to spend the Christmas festivities with mixed sentiments as the fast spread of the Omicron Covid variant raises concerns for some, largely the unvaccinated amid the President’s call for citizens to celebrate the season responsibly.

Weeks prior to this day have been characterized by campaigns staged by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to increase the vaccination rate, even calling for compulsory vaccinations at the country’s airport (Kotoka International Airport) which has attracted a law suit from the Deputy Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Sammy Gyamfi against the Ghana Health Service and the Kotoka International Airport.

On Friday, December 24, 2021, in delivering his Christmas message to the population, the President, H.E. Akufo Addo said: “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.

“We have, for nearly two (2) years, been wearing masks, avoiding shaking hands and using sanitisers, which have been uncomfortable experiences for us all, even though they have helped keep us safe. Let us all celebrate the season safely and responsibly and maintain the peace of the nation.”

Although there has not been any restrictions enforced by the government as is seen in some other jurisdictions across the continent, like Kenya and Uganda, the government is keen on ensuring that a lot more people get vaccinated this month. But, will this be enough to reduce the infection rate from the virus?

Throughout this week, and especially this morning, thousands have flocked to bus stations as they sought to travel to their rural areas for the festivities, enjoying restriction-free Christmas as compared with last year when restrictions were still in place.

Malls and supermarkets are flooded with families spending the time together and shoppers trooping in to make purchases and enjoy the holidays. While everyone is expected to tread with vigilance and avoid mass gathering as well as fully respect the protocols, the low vaccination rates and apathy by some clearly indicates majority ignoring the adherence to safety protocols.

Gov’t Should Brace itself for Worst Case scenario

More tourists are coming into the country, and there are also those especially, a section of the unvaccinated who still hold on to conspiracy theories as the President highlighted in his last COVID-19 address to the nation.

The Ghana Medical Association has said: “the non-adherence to the preventive measures, especially during this festive season has the potential to further escalate the spread of the disease and its attendant consequences for individuals, families and the country as a whole.

“As a matter of urgency, social activities such as parties, night clubs, church services, market activities, funerals and other mass gatherings of such nature should be regulated or restricted. Failure to do this may have dire consequences for all of us come the year 2022.”
Ghana Medical Association

The presidential advisor on health, Dr Anthony Nsiah Asare, has hinted the country is expected to take delivery of about nine million more COVID-19 vaccines by the end of December, 2021. However, based on Fitch Solution’s assessment, at current rate of Covid-19 vaccinations, it would take 278 days to vaccinate another 10% of Ghana’s population.

As of December 16, 2021, the GHS had recorded 437 new cases but in its latest update, the GHS said as of December 17, the figure had risen to 509. Also, active cases have shot up to 2,428.

Compared with the previous year, the covid-19 spread skyrocketed as the election season together with the festive season increased the number of gatherings and thus influenced the rate of infections.

Ghana’s health minister, in the past weeks indicated plans to take mobile vaccination units to various areas including churches and mosques, and confirming that vaccinations would be available to all people over the age of 15.

While this is laudable, more efforts should be undertaken to address the low vaccination rates.

Covid-19 remains a threat, but the fact that this time of the year is associated with social gatherings means that the government should brace itself for the worst case scenario and increase its call to up vaccination efforts amid the festive season.