President Akufo-Addo
President Akufo-Addo has extended the suspension on some activities in Ghana’s creative arts sector as part of efforts to further stem the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
According to him, activities at nightclubs, cinemas, drinking spots, bars, festivals and beaches still remain closed until July 31.
He disclosed this in his 10th address to the nation on coronavirus crisis on Sunday evening.
Ghana’s COVID-19 positive cases as of Sunday stand at 8,070 with 2,947 recovering cases. Thirty-six persons have sadly died while 13 others are severely ill, with three critically ill; for which one is on a ventilator.
The country is, however, finding a safe way to return lives to normal and to get the economy back through a strategic, controlled, progressive, safe easing of restrictions.
As a result, up to 100 worshippers can congregate in churches, mosques and other places of worship from June 5.
However, the easing of restrictions does not include major parts of the creative arts industry.
“I have, by Executive Instrument, provided for these new directions, and extended the suspension of the remaining public gatherings, as set out in E.I. 64 of 15th March, until 31st July. In here, I refer to the suspension of sporting events, nightclubs, cinemas, drinking spots, bars, beaches, festivals, funerals, political rallies, and large religious gatherings such as crusades, pilgrimages and conventions,” the President stated on Sunday.
However, he added that “private burials, now with a maximum of one hundred (100) persons, can continue to be performed. Restaurants, providing seated services, can operate under appropriate social distancing arrangements and hygiene protocols. Individual, non-contact sports can go ahead. Conferences, workshops, weddings, and political activities, except rallies, can now take place, but with limited numbers not exceeding one hundred (100) persons present, with the appropriate social distancing and hygiene protocols.”
By Francis Addo