Coronavirus: AMA, LCB Worldwide disinfect MDAs, public buildings in Accra

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in partnership with LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited, a crisis management company on Saturday, 4th July 2020 resumed its routine disinfection of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as other public and state buildings in the city as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MDAs disinfected included the Accra City Hall which is managed by Listening Bureau, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Office of the Senior Minister, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Procurement, Ministry of Communication, Council of State, Passport Office (Ridge) Registrar Generals Department, (Annex, Trade Mark) Physical Disability Unit (Parliamentary Annex).

The rest were Ministry Of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Bureau of Ghana Languages, Ministry of Defence, Non-Formal Education, Ministry of Aviation, Presidential Lounge (National Security), Civil Service Training School, Agric Engineering, the Official Residence of Head of Civil Service, Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Ministry of Business Development (MoBD), Ministry of Information(MOI), Information Services Department(ISD), Public Records And Archives Administration Department (PRAAD), National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE).

The exercise which was in collaboration with the Head of Civil Service is the second to be undertaken by LCB Worldwide as part of its Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR).

Metropolitan Chief Executive(MCE) of Accra, Mohammed, Adjei Sowah, in an interview prior to the commencement of the exercise expressed his appreciation to LCB for their continuous support in the fight against the virus in the city adding that the disinfection would no doubt enhance productivity in the public sector since it would create a fear-free atmosphere for public sector workers to go about their duties without hindrance.

He disclosed that an arrangement had been made with LCB worldwide to undertake the disinfection exercise once a month and the solution used was organic-based which had no side effects.

"Information available indicates that a vaccine could be ready next year so it appears that we have to leave with the virus for the rest of 2020. What it means is that all the protocols must be activated and complied with at all possible times and one of the key among them is the continuous disinfection of open spaces as well as public buildings...We are conscious of the fact that Accra remains the epicentre of the COVID-19 in Ghana so the concentration of efforts towards the fight will go a long way to curb its spread. I strongly believe staff and visitors to these state institutions would walk confidently into these offices only when they know that all the safety protocols and precautionary measures are being adhered to and that would alternately trigger productivity. Some of these interventions are intended to protect lives as well as encourage people to confidently come to work and do their best," he said.

He admonished all Ghanaians to adhere to the precautionary measures by washing and sanitizing their hands continuously with soap and under running water, wearing a face mask, observing social distancing, covering their mouth and nose when sneezing. as well as endeavour to stay safe by staying at home.

"It is obvious the virus doesn't know boundaries, doesn't discriminate and attacks anybody irrespective of your political, social or economic background. Lately, I see most people wearing the mask but had pulled them under their noses or completely off their faces to rest under their chins. This is unacceptable and we must all put a stop to it," he said.

The exercise is expected to continue this weekend and subsequent ones until the exercise is completed.