The District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Asunafo South, Mr. Francis Akakpo, has disclosed that, his outfit has observed that, many religious bodies in the country are no longer adhering to the safety measures and protocols put in place by the government to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking in an interaction with the media, during a COVID-19 education campaign held at Kukuom in the Ahafo Region, he expressed worry that, the religious bodies that is, the churches and mosques, had stopped practising the social distancing protocols and were no longer checking the body temperatures of worshippers, as directed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as part of measures taken against the virus.
The situation, he added was getting out of hand and could lead to a surge and an outbreak of new infections which could have devastating consequences on the nation.
“Social distancing is always absent at many of the churches and mosques. Worshipper no longer wear nose masks or face shields.
“It is sad to observe that these churches and mosques are no longer providing facilities at their premises to aid handwashing with soap under running water and they have stopped taking body temperatures of worshippers.”
Mr Akakpo further called for strict enforcement of the protocols, especially the wearing of nose masks or face shields and social distancing in public gatherings to prevent the spread of the disease during the numerous Christmas festivities.
He also called on the various district and municipal Assemblies to support the commission to do a vigorous education campaign and expressed appreciation to the ARCC for its assistance to the commission.
The NCCE with support from the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) has intensified the COVID-19 education campaign in the local communities to encourage people to obey government restrictions and health protocols and to educate them as well.
The campaign is also aimed at deepening public awareness about the prevention and management of the COVID-19 in the localities.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Kuma Aboagye on Wednesday touching on safety measures during this festive period cautioned religious institutions to adhere to safety measures as well.
Commenting on the Christmas festivities and what the Ministry’s plans are to ensure that the spread of the virus is mitigated, he urged citizens to be careful especially during the 31st night celebrations where there are usually scenes of large crowds.
He advised heads of the various institutions that, the place of worship should be well ventilated and must ensure that social distancing protocols are observed.
Dr. Kuma Aboagye also tasked religious leaders to ensure facilities make available items to enable handwashing and sanitizing of hands in churches and other places of worship.
He added that, the wearing of face mask must also be adhered to help curb the spread and to also prevent the surge of new cases.
Currently, Ghana has recorded 54,043 positive COVID-19 cases, with 52,777 persons recovered and discharged, representing 97.7 per cent recovery rate.
There are 933 active cases and 333 deaths and Ghana has so far tested 646,697 cases.
