Okada riders flout border closure directive at Afegameh

The District Chief Executive of Agortime-Ziope District of the Volta Region, John Kwaku Amenyah, on Monday toured some border posts in the district to make sure they have been shut down as directed to avoid cross infections of the coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Some of the border posts visited were Afegameh and Batume. 

He was accompanied by Mr  Matthew Ayamba Adam, District Director of Health Services, Agortime-Ziope, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) officers and some staff of the assembly. 

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Sunday directed the closure of the borders due to the outbreak of COVID-19.  

 Mr John Amenya explained that it was good he toured the border post as security officers at the Afegameh post are facing serious challenges controlling ‘okada’ operators who use unapproved routes. 

He called on them to have close surveillance on these motor (okada) riders- that is common in the area- who would take advantage to use such unapproved routes. 

The DCE pleaded with all the people in the district to assist in the campaign against the spread of the disease. 

He further advised the media to continue to educate the general public to adhere to the directives of the President and the Ghana Health Service to ensure the compliance of all the directives.

 He commended the assembly staff for collaborating with the district health directorate to save lives. 

He also commended the collaboration between Ghanaians and their Togolese counterparts.

 Mr Amenyah used the occasion to distribute hand sanitisers, hand gloves, nose masks, infra-red thermometers and Victoria buckets to security men and health posts at the borders. 

Mr Adam called on all to wash their hands regularly and adhere to social distancing and other precautionary health tips. 

He also assured that his personnel have been put on red alert to deal quickly with on any suspected case that may arise in the district.

In a related development, the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Charles Agbeve has donated  three 3,500 litre polytanks, 10 Victoria  buckets, five infra-red thermometers and 720 pieces of carbolic soap  to support the ongoing campaign against the virus.

FROM KAFUI GATI, KPETOE