Osafo-Maafo hasn’t tested positive for coronavirus - Office of the Senior Minister

The Office of the Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo-Maafo has debunked media speculations that the experienced politician has contracted the deadly coronavirus disease.

Over the last couple of days, some Ghanaians, especially on social media have been speculating about the whereabouts of the usually visible and outspoken minister as the country grapples with the economic impact of the global pandemic.

His apparent lack of visibility in most in these tumultuous times has raised suspicion that he may have tested positive for the coronavirus and is being kept in isolation, especially because he recently returned from an official trip abroad.

Upon the president's arrival, social media users including commentator, Kelvin Ekow Taylor and some members of the NDC alleged that the president, the senior minister and other members of the entourage that travelled had tested positive for the virus.

But reacting to the reports and rumours, his office allayed the fears of the public, assuring that he is hale and hearty and very much involved in the war against the pandemic in Ghana.

“The Office wishes to state emphatically that the Senior Minister, Hon. Yaw Osafo-Maafo has NOT been tested positive neither has he been missing from official duties. Since COVID-19 outbreak, he has been actively involved in all cabinet meetings in finding appropriate remedies to the impact of the virus on Ghana’s economy”.

His office also refuted allegations that Mr Osafo-Maafo has not been seen at work since his return from 12-day trip with the president.

“ The Senior Minister reports to office daily and attends Economic Management Team (EMT) meetings regularly at the Jubilee House. We wish to add that on Wednesday, 25th March, 2020, the Senior Minister chaired the EMT meeting on the socio-economic impact of “COVID 19” in Ghana.

“We, therefore, wish to inform and assure the general public that the President of the Republic and ALL Ministers hold meetings at the Jubilee House in a determinable effort to deal with the pandemic. The ministers and health technicians have all joined hands in fighting the deadly virus and they need support and constant prayers from Ghanaians.

“The general public is hereby advised to disregard and ignore any false information about the COVID-19 status of the Senior Minister and also assure Ghanaians that, he is hale and hearty and very much involved in the Joint COVID 19 Committee daily meetings towards the war against the pandemic in Ghana”.

So far Ghana's confirmed coronavirus cases stand at 141. The figures include 5 deaths and 2 recoveries.

This was announced by the Ghana Health Service on their official update page, Saturday, March 28, 2020.