Be assertive in fight against coronavirus – Ghanaians urged

The Head of the Psychology Department of the University of Ghana, Dr Wiafe Akentegn Brenya, has said failing to forcefully implement the protocols outlined to deal with the novel coronavirus will make it difficult for Ghana to tackle the pandemic.

He said Ghanaian authorities and all Ghanaians, in general, must be assertive in ensuring that everyone around them observes these protocols.

Dr Akenteng Brenya said all Ghanaians must ensure that these measures are followed even if that will mean boycotting shops and malls that do not obey them.

He told Alfred Ocansey on Sunrise show on 3FM Wednesday, May 6 that these are not normal times for the world in the wake of the pandemic, which is claiming thousands of lives and also wreaking world economics.

To that end, the Social Psychologist said, all the health measures must be strictly obeyed.

“Now, what we need to do is to be individuals who protect ourselves. So if you are going to a shop and there is someone who is not wearing a face mask tell the security not to allow them in.

“If they allow, tell the shop owner or the manager that we are not going to buy from you again. We need to very assertive at this time, not the usual timid Ghanaians.

“Changing our orientation is not easy, you need to make that conscious effort and it is not everybody who can do it easily,” he said.

Ghana’s coronavirus case count has increased from 2,169 to 2,719, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) said in its latest update on Monday, May 4.

A total of 294 have recovered with 18 deaths.

So far, Greater Accra Region has recorded 2,332, Ashanti Region – 124, Eastern Region – 94, Central Region – 38, Volta Region – 30, Oti Region – 23, Western Region – 21, Upper West Region – 19, Upper East Region – 19, Northern Region – 13, Western North Region – 4, North-East Region – 2, Savannah Region – 0, Bono Region – 0, Ahafo Region – 0, Bono East Region – 0.