President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia at the Eid celebration
President Akufo-Addo has expressed concern about the sudden rise in COVID-19 infections in the country.
He fears the incidence could degenerate from bad to worse if care is not taken.
Speaking at this year’s Eid-Ul-Adha celebration at the newly-commissioned National Mosque Complex in Accra yesterday, President Akufo-Addo noted that the current number of infections and mortality rates of the virus was indicative of the fact that the country was heading for another wave of infection.
“From the rising numbers, it is safe to conclude that we have let our guards down, and we are beginning to live our lives and conduct our businesses as though we are in normal times,” he said.
He, therefore, noted “it is important to repeat that the virus is still with us, and until each and every one of us receives a double dose of the vaccine, the protocols must continue to be a part and parcel of our daily activities.”
In spite of the global shortage of vaccines, he said the Ministry of Health is tirelessly working to ensure that the target to inoculate the adult population of the country is achieved on schedule.
Until that goal is achieved, the President said, “I will continue to count on the support of the Ghanaian people to ensure our collective security.”
He, therefore, noted that government is determined and would ensure that 20 million Ghanaians are inoculated against the virus before the end of the year.
He stressed the need for everyone in Ghana to adhere strictly to the set protocols on hygiene and social distancing, as well as other coronavirus restrictions, until the country attains a very appreciable level of COVID-19 vaccination.
“As we continue to count on the grace of God to protect our country from the ravages of the pandemic, like we have done since its outbreak, we can only minimise its health effects and avoid a full blown third wave, if we continue to be responsible and observe the hygiene protocols,” he said.
The President asked the Muslim community to use the period of devotion to “remember our nation” and pray for wisdom and guidance for the government “so that we can steer the ship of state in a manner that allows us to navigate the stormy and turbulent economic and other challenges that confront our nation and the world.”
He pledged the continuous support for the development of Zongo communities, whilst urging the youth in the Zongo communities to take advantage of the many empowerment initiatives and opportunities being created by government to develop their talents and contribute to national development.
“We see Zongo communities as a place of great talent which can be harnessed for the development of the Zongo communities and the entire country.
“Zongo residents have a proud history of contributing to the development of our country, and I urge you to follow in the footsteps of your forebears,” he implored.
On his part, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharbutu, called on Muslims across the country to live in harmony and peace to enhance national development.
He prayed to Allah to enable the Muslim community to sacrifice personal interests for the common good of society.
Eid-Ul-Adha is an important religious festival on the Islamic calendar during which Muslims pray and meditate in commemoration of “The Duty of Sacrifice” dating back to the era of Prophet Abraham.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent