Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Barbara Oteng Gyasi has explained that the ban on gatherings at drinking bars and Night Clubs continues unabated.
The minister gave the clarification at the ministry of information press briefing Thursday. She was responding to two conflicting press release by the ministry and the Ghana Tourism authority that gave different directives on the ban on social gatherings at drinking bars and Night Clubs.
The Ghana Tourism Authority had issued a press release dated 11th May 2020 directing that “Drinking bars can operate while observing appropriate social distancing and hygiene protocols” while the ministry in its release dated on 13th May 2020 maintained that both drinking bars and Night Clubs remained closed.
This generated wide spread confusion among the Ghanaian populace as they could not tell which of the directives was valid. However Mrs Oteng Gyasi indicated that the ministry’s order which is in line with the Presidnt’s order, holds.
President Nana Akufo-Addo in his 9th address to the nation extended the ban on public gathering, including religious activities, festivals and funerals till the end of May.
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In a televised address on measures taken to combat the spread of Coronavirus, Akufo-Addo said the closure of schools and ban on public gatherings had created a lot of inconvenience for many Ghanaians but added “we have no option but to stay the course.”
He explained further “During this period, there will continue to be a ban on public gatherings such as holding of conferences, workshops, parties, night clubs, drinking spots, festivals, political rallies, religious activities, sporting events. All educational facilities private and public remain closed.
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Also, all educational facilities, private and public, will remain closed. President Akufo-Addo stressed that there is still a ban on funerals, other than private burials conducted with not more than 25 persons. President Akufo-Addo said while he would like to see an end to the restrictions, they are necessary if Ghana is to make any meaningful strides in the Covid-19 fight”.
The extension of the ban was received by many as a good news with the Ghana Medical Association praising him for his bold steps.
Ghana’s case count of the virus now stands at 5, 408, 514 recoveries and 24 deaths.
Source: Kojo Dei/ATL FM NEWS
