Coronavirus: Existing measures should be maintained - Akufo-Addo

President Akufo-Addo says existing measures laid down to combat the novel Coronavirus should be maintained until the country gets a firm grip on the movement of the virus.

Delivering his eighth televised address to the nation on the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus in the country on Sunday, April 26, 2020, Akufo-Addo noted that, this consensus is supported by "data and science, and I am also very much of this view".

"I have, accordingly, by Executive Instrument, extended for another two (2) weeks the suspension of all public and social gatherings, as set out in E.I 64 of 15th March, 2020, effective tomorrow, 1 am, Monday, 27th April," he said.

He added, "I am encouraged that so many of our trotros, taxis, and buses are operating with a minimal number of passengers, and our businesses and supermarkets are enforcing the need for social distancing, the use of hand sanitizers and the wearing of masks for all patrons and staff".

"I want to signal out supermarkets such as Melcom, Palace and Shoprite, in particular, for the 4 excellent discipline they are maintaining in their enterprises across the country, and call upon all other enterprises, especially our market women, to emulate them."

President Akufo-Addo observed that markets in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis are adhering to the directive of social distancing, an excellent example for market women all over the country.

He further indicated that, "I am fully aware of the sacrifices in reduced revenues that all businesses and enterprises are suffering. But, I believe we have no option but to sacrifice to defeat this virus. This is the time for sacrifice, so that we do not have to bear a greater cost in the future."

Akufo-Addo expressed his displeasure with some Ghanaians aiding some West African nationals to enter the country illegally, despite the closure of our borders.

He said, some of these West African nationals who have been arrested, have later tested positive for the virus.

Akufo-Addo stressed, "These are unpatriotic acts, and must stop. We cannot continue to allow a few persons, who are motivated by their own selfish, money-making interests, to endanger the lives of the rest of the population."

He, therefore, called on all Ghanaians to look out for each other and stated that, "not only will persons who enter our country illegally be strictly dealt with, but so will Ghanaians who facilitate their entry."

Watch Akufo-Addo's full address below.