Western North NDC raises alarm as coronavirus hits Ivory Coast

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Western North Region has called on government to put in place strong mechanisms to monitor activities in communities bordering Ivory Coast to avert any case of Covid-19.

The opposition party is alarmed that the level of interaction among Ghanaians and Ivorians along the border makes the country highly susceptible.

“The Western North Region is a fragile region in respect of this virus. The region shares direct border with Ivory Coast or Coté d’Ivoire and that makes it dangerous for us even now that a case has been recorded in Coté d’Ivoire. We go there on daily basis with some even walking to cross the borders. Districts like Bia East and West, Juaboso and Suaman are all areas where critical considerations must be made,” a statement signed by the Western North Regional Communications Director, Jerome Sam, read.

The party’s call follows reports that neighboring Ivory Coast has recorded its first Coronavirus case.

While describing measures announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on the coronavirus as welcome news, the party indicated that the “fragile nature of the Western North Region means government must act quickly”.

“Our wish is for the Nana Addo-led government to put in place more stringent measures to avert any possible case of the deadly Coronavirus in the region.”

The party proposed that screening and emergency centers should be mounted at all districts that interact with Ivory Coast as quickly as practicable.

“Quarantine facilities should also be mounted immediately in selected districts preferably those sharing borders with Coté d’Ivoire. Again selected hospitals in the region must be well equipped to deal with any case before any transfer to higher level of care.”

The party also cautioned parents to be “particular about their children most especially from two years up to ten years who are in school and also ensure good personal hygiene”.