Ghana is to observe a national day of fasting and prayers to seek the face of God in the fight against the novel Coronavirus pandemic, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has announced.
In a televised broadcast to the nation, the President indicated that, “whilst we continue to adhere to these measures, and ramp up our efforts to defeat this virus, I urge all of us, also, to seek the face of the Almighty. So, on Wednesday, 25th March, 2020, I appeal to all Ghanaians, Christians and Muslims, to observe a national day of fasting and prayer. Let us pray to God to protect our nation and save us from this pandemic.”
The national fasting and prayer session, the president said, will be an addition to the adherence of measures rolled out to help contain the spread of the disease that has so far killed more than 11,000 people globally.
He then applauded Ghanaians at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
“I applaud the efforts and courage of Ghanaians in the forefront of the fight against the virus, the health workers, Immigration Officials, Customs officials, Civil Aviation Officials, airport staff, port health officials, Police and military personnel and other essential service providers for the yeoman’s work you are doing. Our nation is deeply in your debt,” he said.
Akufo-Addo shuts down Ghana’s borders
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in the broadcast ordered the closure of Ghana’s borders for two-weeks starting from Sunday, March 22, 2020.
This, he said, is to help reduce further escalation of the Coronavirus infection rate in the country.
“Anybody who comes into the country, before midnight on Sunday, will be mandatorily quarantined and tested for the virus. This closure will not apply to goods, supplies and cargo," he stressed.
Ghana records 21 cases
Ghana has so far recorded 21 cases of COVID-19 with 1 death leaving the number of active cases to be 20.
A 61-year-old Lebanese male trader and resident in Kumasi is said to have an underlying health problem, however, died in the Ashanti Region.
According to the Ghana Health Service, the deceased reported to a health facility in Kumasi with a fever and cough.
His temperature was 39.4 degrees Celcius.
At least three out of the 21 cases have been suspected to be community spread.
Watch the President's address below.
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