Akufo-Addo’s attack on critics of coronavirus fight unfortunate – Prosper Bani

The Chairman of the NDC’s COVID-19 team Prosper Bani has described as unfortunate claims by the President that critics of government’s efforts at controlling spread of the virus in Ghana are doing so for their political survival.

Addressing the nation Sunday night, President Akufo-Addo urged Ghanaians not to begrudge those politicians taking aims at government’s effort since they do so for their political survival.

“I know some political actors would want you to believe that the new numbers represent a failure on our part, do not begrudge them, they need to make such statements for their political survival,” he said.

However, responding to the comment Mr Bani told Starr News’ Regina Borle Bortey Monday that it is strange for the President to be seeking support from the public and turnaround to criticise those who offer help.

“We have submitted two documents so far to government, nowhere in our two documents have we criticized the government. If those actions are considered as criticisms to survive as a group that is rather overstretched.

“We are as concerned as the president and his government are with COVID-19 and we will at all times collaborate and ensure compliance with the WHO directive in fighting the virus. It is rather unfortunate that the President calls on Ghanaians and political parties to contribute and at the same time turnaround and say this about us,” the former Chief of Staff said.

The comment of the President comes days after NDC flagbearer and former President John Mahama criticised the efforts of government after significant number of positive cases were recorded on Friday.

“From 3,091 to 4,012 #COVID19 cases within 24 hours; Government is certainly failing the people of Ghana. Fear gripped many homes last night when the latest confirmed cases were released. And that is understandable. #COVID19 is real, my brothers and sisters. I want to encourage you, yet again, to protect yourself. Regular handwashing with soap and under running water is a must.

“Stay Home, but if you have to go out for any reason including work, wear your mask, take along a hand sanitizer, and always disinfect commonly used and touched surfaces. And, let us continue to remember the poor & needy. They need our support,” Mahama wrote on Facebook.