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The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has in a press release cautioned the government about the dire consequences the lifting of the ban on social gatherings for religious activities, schools, marriage ceremonies, funerals etc. will have on the country amid the spread of coronavirus in the country and world at large.

"His excellency the President of the Republic should not lift the ban on social gatherings for religious activities, schools, marriage ceremonies, funerals etc. Our international borders should also remain closed for now," a part of the statement said. 

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) taking into consideration the number of new COVID-19 positive cases in the country (mostly community spread) and the seeming disregard for all the preventive measures put in place by large sections of the population, has advised the government accordingly. 

According to the GMA, the Government should strictly enforce all the preventive measures so far put in place to ensure compliance.

Ban On Social & Public Gatherings

President Nana Akufo-Addo extended the suspension of public and social gatherings by two (2) more weeks.

"I have accordingly by Executive Instrument, extended for another two (2) weeks, the suspension of all social and public gatherings as set out in E.I 64 of 15th March 2020, effective tomorrow 1 am, Monday, 27th April," he said in his 8th Address to Ghanaians on Measures Taken Against Spread of Coronavirus on Sunday, April 26.

According to the President, “the existing measures must be maintained for now, until we have a firm grip on the movement of the virus. This consensus is supported by data and science, and I am also very much of this view".

However, “Private burials are permitted, but with limited numbers, not exceeding twenty-five (25) in attendance,”

The ban on all public gatherings was declared by President Akufo-Addo on March 15, 2020, in a televised broadcast, which included conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, church activities, and other related events as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country.


Ghana's case count

Ghana's COVID-19 case count has increased to 4,263, according to the latest update by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Saturday, May 9.

Recoveries are now 378, and with four more fatalities having been recorded, the death toll has shot up to 22.

5 more persons are said to be "critically or moderately ill."

Per the statement on the GHS website, "while the number of active cases is now at 3,907, the total number of persons tested is 155,201.