Akufo-Addo sets up coronavirus fund to combat outbreak

President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced the establishment of a special fund to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Members of the public have been encouraged to donate to the coronavirus fund to help halt the increasing cases of infections in the country.

President Nana Akufo-Addo made the announcement in a televised address on Friday, March 27, 2020.

He said former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, is to oversee the setting up of the special fund.

He revealed that he has directed the Controller and Accountant General to deposit his three months salary, including April, May and June, as seed money for the fund.

“I am announcing tonight the establishment of a COVID-19 Fund, to be managed by an independent board of trustees, and chaired by former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, to receive contributions and donations from the public to assist in the welfare of the needy and the vulnerable.

“I have directed the Controller and Accountant General to pay my next three months’ salary, i.e. April, May and June, into this Fund. Let me also thank, from the bottom of my heart, the churches, financial institutions and individuals who have already made donations to help in this fight. God richly bless them,” the President stated.

However, the president announced a two-week restriction of movements in some selected metropolitan and district assemblies in four cities in the country to control the spread of Covid-19 starting Monday.

"The oath of office I swore on February 2017 demands that I dedicate myself to the service of Ghanaian people. It is my job to protect you and I am determined to do just that. All what the government is doing is seeking to achieve five targets….we have succeeded in stopping the importation of the disease into the country.

“However, prevailing circumstances mean stricter measures need to be put in place to stop the spread of the virus in-country in Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi,” he said.