Coronavirus: Contact tracers in Ashanti Region declare strike

The Covid-19 caseload in Ghana’s Ashanti Region could triple as contact tracers have declared a strike.

The volunteers, who have formed the Coalition of Contact Tracers said their action is in protest against the government’s decision to slash a ¢150 daily stipend to ¢70.

In a letter addressed to President Akufo-Addo, on Thursday, June 11, 2020 the group wrote: “For your information, Mr. President, contact tracers in the Ashanti Region have not been working since 2nd of June, 2020 till date. The country currently has 10,201 total cases with 1,653 newly confirmed between the period we laid down our tools.”

It continued: “In effect, it means some 16,530 contacts are not being followed which has the tendency of increasing our cases by some 33,060. With all these disturbing possible situations, it's very surprising that no one is saying anything or responding to us.”

The Ashanti Region has so far recorded 1,799 Covid-19 and is next to the country’s capital Accra, which has recorded over 6,000 cases. Currently, Ghana’s Covid-19 caseload stands at 10, 358 with 48 deaths.

Gov’t’s engagement

President Nana Akufo-Addo announced that the Ministry of Health is engaging the services of retired and new health professionals to augment that of its current staff as the country braces itself for a possible surge in the number of coronavirus infections.

In an address to the nation on Saturday, March 21, President Akufo-Addo was amazed by the response of the retired health professionals to the call.

“The Ministry of Health is mobilizing new and retired health care professionals to augment our preparedness in dealing with the possible surge in infections. It is heartening to hear the number of healthcare professionals who have stepped forward to offer their services.”