Evacuating stranded Ghanaians: Akufo-Addo gets Ablakwa's praise

Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on the decision to evacuate stranded Ghanaians abroad although the country’s borders remain closed.

The minority in parliament in recent times has called on the government to evacuate stranded Ghanaian nationals abroad who are willing to come back home.

Mr Ablakwa has been advocating the evacuation of stranded Ghanaians abroad.

Some stranded Ghanaian nationals have also called on the government to come to their aid and evacuate them from their current host nations.

In his address to the nation on Sunday, 31 May 2020, President Akufo-Addo announced the beginning of the process to ease restrictions with effect from Friday, 5th June 2020.

President Akufo-Addo stated: “Our border, by air, land and sea, remains closed until further notice for human traffic. However, given that there are Ghanaian residents stranded abroad, a special dispensation is going to be given for their evacuation back to Ghana, where they will be subjected to the mandatory quarantine and safety protocols.”

Reacting to the decision by the government in a post on Facebook, Sunday, 31 May 2020, the North Tongu legislator said: “I am glad President Akufo-Addo has finally given the green light for the evacuation of stranded Ghanaians as I have long advocated.”

Mr Ablakwa also reiterated the need for the government to be responsive to the needs of the citizenry.

“Government must always be responsive to the plight of citizens. Better late than never,” the North Tongu MP wrote.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has reminded Ghanaians to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols to prevent further spread of the deadly virus despite the easing of restrictions across the country.

He said: “Fellow Ghanaians, it is said that with greater freedom comes greater responsibility. The introduction of this phased opening up of our country means that each and every one of us must continue to remain vigilant, and respect the enhanced hygiene and social distancing protocols that have become part and parcel of our daily routine over the last three (3) months.”

President Akufo-Addo further added: “We cannot afford to let our guard down, and ruin the successes we have chalked over this period.”