'I'm deeply touched by your sacrifice, enthusiasm' – Mahama to health workers

Former President John Mahama has thanked all health workers and frontline staff who are at the helm of the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak in Ghana.

Speaking at a brief ceremony at his office in Accra on Saturday, at which he presented some PPE worth GHC300,000 to the National Democratic Congress’ COVID-19 Response Team for onward distribution to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital with a promise to procure a further GHC90,000 worth of PPE for other health posts, Mr Mahama said: “Of course, I say thank you to our health workers across the length and breadth of the country for the role you continue to play toward defending this country and our people against the virus”.

“I am deeply touched by the enthusiasm and the sacrifice of our health workers – and I am elated that my government’s heavy investments in health infrastructure is paying off today”, the flag bearer of the biggest opposition party said.

“I, John Dramani Mahama, appreciate you all, and Ghanaians appreciate you all”, he added.

Also, Mr Mahama stressed: “As has become my battle cry over the last few weeks, my brothers and sisters, WE ARE NOT IN NORMAL TIMES, AT ALL. So, please and please, if you have nothing essential doing outside of your home, please STAY HOME, observe the protocols of handwashing as frequently as you can”.

He also urged everyone to “disinfect commonly used surfaces as often as we can, while continuing to wash our hands, and using the alcohol-based hand sanitisers”.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its outbreak in Ghana, Mr Mahama noted, “has brought out the very best in all of us”, observing: “It has been heartwarming to see how political, religious and social differences have evaporated and replaced by a sense of unity and camaraderie in a bid to beat back this disease”.

“We have all with one accord, contributed our widow’s mite, donated what little we can mobilize and shown care to the needy in our society. We have rallied to national call-in ways that have not been seen in quite a while. Many are having to stay home, shut down their business – both big and small – despite the economic implications on the family and workforce.