Ban on social gatherings: Nungua Traditional Council to sanction recalcitrant residents
Residents of Nungua in Accra who hold social gatherings henceforth, will be sanctioned, the paramount chief and president of the Nungua Traditional Council, Obuade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III has cautioned.
In keeping with government’s directives to prevent the spread of COVID-19, he said funerals, naming ceremonies, birthday parties, night clubs, and other social gatherings have been suspended until the government directs otherwise.
“The king will send out unannounced emissaries to check if residents are following the directives or not. Non-complying ones shall be reported to the appropriate quarters for sanctions accordingly,” a statement issued by the communication directorate of the council in Accra on Monday said.
Containing directives to residents of the area, the statement asked market women, fisher folks, food vendors, and operators of public places of convenience, in particular, to take precautionary measures against the virus.
It said they should have and use at least two preventive items, including nose covers, hand gloves, hand sanitisers, and hand washing facilities to protect themselves and their customers.
In the interim, it said the King has directed the traditional council to buy hand gloves, nose covers and sanitisers and donate to the various health centres in the traditional area.
The statement asked persons who suffer unusual fever, coughs, runny nose, sore throat, and severe difficulty in breathing, to visit nearby medical centres for attention, and or isolate themselves to prevent potential spread of the virus.
“Nobody should by words, actions or gesture, harm, stigmatise, or cut-ties outright with anyone diagnosed of the disease. This is the time to show compassion and collaborative efforts to fight the menace,” it said.
According to the statement, all appointments with the king and his elders from individuals and groups are henceforth cancelled until further notice by the traditional council.
“All residents in the Nungua traditional area should abide by all directives of the President, and protocols and advisories issued by relevant authorities in relation to the coronavirus epidemic,” it said.
Ghana has as of yesterday recorded 52 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with two deaths with global cases rising to over 300,000 with more than 13,000 deaths though, nearly 10,000 are said to have recovered.
BY TIMES REPORTER
