Coronavirus: 406 stubborn Ghanaians in police grips for disobeying lockdown orders

Some 406 persons are currently being processed to face the law after defying some directives given by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as part of efforts to stem the fast-spreading Coronavirus in the country.

Revealing this at a press briefing Tuesday morning, Head of Prosecutions at the Accra Regional Police Command, ACP Lydia Donkor, said the move has become necessary because some Ghanaians remain adamant about observing the laid-down directives in accordance with the Imposition of Restrictions Act (1012).

Per the Act, the President has ordered among other things that Ghanaians observe the social distancing order, stay home in areas affected by the partial lockdown and avoid social gatherings.

Though a fair number of people have complied with the orders she explained, a good number have also ignored them.

“People have largely complied with the directive of his Excellency the President. There are a good number of people who are still recalcitrant.

“So far around the country, 406 persons have been arrested. 103 are in custody, 248 have been granted bail, and 41 have been processed for court.” She said.

Giving the breakdown of the arrests in the various, she said,

“In the Greater Accra region, a total of 161 cases. In the Ashanti Region, we have 70 cases. In the Volta Region, 67 cases, in the Western Region, 8 cases, in the Eastern Region, we have 6 cases, in Ashanti Region, we have 31 cases, in the Bono region we have 50 cases, in the Northern Region, we have 9 cases, Central Region, 24 cases, Oti Region, no cases reported, Ahafo, Savannah regions, no cases, North East region, 1 case, Upper West, 8 cases, Upper East Region, 2 cases. Western North Region, 8 cases, Bono East Region, no cases.”



ACP Donkor further noted that the culpable persons are going to be dealt with as per sanctions contained in the Imposition of Restrictions Act. In some cases, sanctions may involve fines and in others, imprisonment within a given term.

“People are leaving their homes, people having parties, going to the beaches, weddings, which are clearly in violation of the Imposition of Restrictions Act so these people are going to be dealt with in accordance with the Imposition of Restrictions Act."

"If you are arrested, you will be prosecuted after successful investigations and if you are found guilty, you are required to pay a fine of GH¢12000 to GH¢60,000 or entitled to imprisonment [for] 4 to 10 years.” She noted.

She was also sure to reiterate to all, that observance is key in the country’s efforts to stem and contain the situation and to avoid further spread.



“The Ghana Police Service wishes once again to advise the general public to comply with all the rules and regulations governing the Imposition of Restrictions Act. All my colleagues in the other regions have been charged to ensure that they ensure section 6 of the Impositions Restrictions Act. It is in your own interest to comply with the rules and regulations. Stay at home, stop the spread and let's stay safe.” She added.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s cases remain at 566 as confirmed by the Ghana Health Service as of April 13, 2020, with 17 recoveries and 10 deaths.