GMA questions government decision to keep churches and mosques open

General news for Monday, February 1, 2021

Source: Happy 98.9FM

2021-02-01

President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) Dr Frank Ankobea called on the government to explain the reasons for not closing churches, mosques and other religious institutions as part of measures to control the spread of the pandemic of COVID-19.

President Akufo-Addo, in his 23rd address to the nation on measures to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, banned funerals, parties, weddings, concerts and theatrical performances.

He said, however, that private burials, with no more than twenty-five (25) people, can take place with the application of social distancing, hygiene and mask-wearing protocols.

The president added that churches, mosques and other religious gatherings can also be held in strict compliance with COVID-19 security protocols.

Reacting to the president’s directive, Dr Frank Ankobea said: “They will have to explain to us the science and the data on why churches were not included in the ban. The restrictions have now been put in place and we will know later if the churches will be closed as well.

Dr Ankobea made this known in an interview on the Happy Morning Show with Samuel Eshun broadcast on e.TV Ghana and Happy FM.

He believes that regardless of the president putting these restrictions in place, they will be useless if they are not enforced.

“The most important thing is the application of these restrictions. The president can describe these restrictions well, but if they are not enforced, they have not achieved anything. This time around, we need to enforce the ban on social gatherings and the mandatory wearing of face masks, ”he said.

He advised Ghanaians to take responsibility for their own health as COVID-19 treatment centers were already full.