Kasena-Nankana Municipal Assembly holds stakeholder meeting on Coronavirus

The Kasena-Nankana Municipal Assembly in the Upper East Region has held a crucial meeting with stakeholders to discuss ways to implement the directives of the President to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The meeting, which is also aimed at soliciting the support and ideas of the public to the enable relevant bodies manage the spread of the viral disease, had in attendance the Municipal Chief Executive, members of the security agencies, the clergy, staff of the Ghana Health Service from both the Municipal and Regional levels, Heads of second cycle schools and the three Paramount Chiefs of the area.

The meeting also had in attendance representatives of the various political parties, heads of basic schools, the municipal education directorate and the media.

Speaking in his open address, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), William Aduum, said the meeting was a tool to engage major stakeholders in the area to find ways to execute the directives of the president, which have been issued following the outbreak of the Covid-19, to ensure a safe environment for all Ghanaians.

He said following the outbreak of the disease, several engagements have been held at all levels and was prudent for the Assembly to do same to prevent the spread of the disease in his jurisdiction and ensure public safety.

“On the issue of the deadly coronavirus, the regional minister and the REGSEC met with all MMDCEs yesterday and we have been directed that the various MUSEC and DISEC should meet with the major stakeholders in our respective assemblies so that we can discuss and implement the President’s directives, he said.

Mr. Aduum said, unlike other areas, the traditional setting of the area was going to pose challenges against the elimination of the disease if proper commitment is not given to the sensitization of the people, especially those at the markets and funeral homes.

He, however, said he was confident in the stakeholders, especially the Traditional rulers who wielded much authority, to enforce some of the directives to ensure the disease finds no place in Kasena-Nankana.

The MCE used the opportunity to assure the gathering of the preparedness of the Assembly to partner all stakeholders to minimize the dreadful impact of the disease. He urged the people to practice handwashing and ensure clean environments at their home, markets and workplaces.

Azure Benson Nsoh, the Municipal Director of Health Services, stated the readiness of the directorate to manage cases of the virus at any given time. He assured that there were the skilled personnel to deal with the outbreak should it spread to Navrongo and its environs.

He, however, appealed to authorities to augment the efforts of the health service by providing some of the necessary equipment needed to manage and control the disease.

He urged the public to report persons who exhibit symptoms similar to the coronavirus to the nearest health facility for immediate medical attention.

Health authorities in the country have so far confirmed six cases of the deadly Coronavirus- that's after an initially record of two cases.

Though there have not been any recorded deaths, health experts say the virus may spread rapidly if proper measures are not put in place by government.

Ghana has since closed her borders and closed her doors to people from countries which have been worse hit by the viral disease. The government has also made available $100 million to manage the disease in the country.