Minister calls on churches to comply with Covid-19 restrictions

Churches have been urged to comply with government restrictions to prevent the possible spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) during the Easter festivities.

Bono’s regional minister, Justina Owusu-Banahene, made the call in an interview with the Ghanaian News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani on Thursday.

She noted that although some Ghanaians have been vaccinated against the virus, it was however imperative that churches and religious organizations strictly adhere to health security protocols, as worshipers gather in numbers to commemorate the death of Jesus Christ.

“Although some people have taken the vaccine, this does not guarantee complete safety and everyone should strive to observe Covid-19 health protocols, either you have been vaccinated or you have not yet been vaccinated, ”she said.

Ms Owusu-Banahene warned churches and congregations that failure by its members to comply with the government’s mandatory two-hour worship restriction would not go unpunished, adding that churches should ensure that worshipers wear masks or face shields.

She said the Covid-19 task force will patrol churches and the Easter and Convention retreat locations to ensure worshipers adhere to all safety measures to prevent the spread of the viral disease.

Mrs. Owusu-Banahene advised people to celebrate Easter in moderation and use the festivities to show love and compassion, supporting the needy and vulnerable in society.

“The celebration of the death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ must bring us together as one people. We must try to put smiles on the faces of the needy in society and I believe this would allow them to recognize and appreciate the love of Christ. This is what Easter is supposed to be, ”said the regional minister.

Madame Owusu-Banahene warned young people against alcoholism and promiscuity, saying that such unhealthy practices were not worthy of being associated with the celebration of the death of our Jesus Christ ”.

She advised drivers and all road users to obey road safety rules and avoid speeding to avoid unacceptable road accidents and preventable deaths on the motorway.