Coronavirus: Thank you for the incentives but we need PPEs – GMA to govt

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has welcomed government’s incentives for health workers in the country in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic but says their priority is the protection materials for staff.

On Sunday April 5, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced all health workers in the country are to enjoy tax holiday for three months as part of government incentive for their sacrifices in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Additionally, frontline health workers will receive a 50% allowance on their March to June basic salary. They are also to enjoy free rides to and from work on Ayalolo buses.

Commenting on the measures, GMA President Frank Ankobea told Francis Abban on the Morning Starr that although their morale has been boosted by the open commendation by the President, the PPEs are in urgent need

“I will like to commend the president and government for the measures they have taken and package for us. When you doing something and your president acknowledges you it gives you morale to do more.

“We are grateful for that incentive but all we ask is that they should give us the PPEs…there is a challenge with PPEs distribution and I’m sure the ministry knows it. All we are saying is that ‘let us get the PPEs’,” he said.

The President also announced that water bills for all Ghanaians for the next three months – April, May, June – will be absorbed by the government, as the fight against coronavirus intensifies.

The Ghana Water Company Ltd and the Electricity Company of Ghana have been directed to ensure the stable supply of water and electricity during this period. In addition, there will be no disconnection of supply.

“Furthermore, the government will absorb the water bills for all Ghanaians for the next three months, ie, April, May, and June. All water tankers, publicly and privately-owned, are also going to be mobilized to ensure the supply of water to all vulnerable communities.”