Easing coronavirus restrictions: Here is what some Ghanaians think

“I expect these consultations to conclude this week so that I can announce to Ghanaians a clear roadmap for easing the restrictions. We have to find a way back, but in safety, for we cannot be under these restrictions forever,” These were the President’s words at a virtual national Eid celebration on Sunday May 24, 2020.

An announcement that as usual, has been greeted with varied opinions. Whilst some persons believe it’s an inevitable decision that eventually has to be taken, others find it completely surprising that such discussions are ongoing even amidst rising infection rates.

Though Ghana is recording a significantly steady number of recoveries, the infection rate is also increasing, raising more concern.

So to be or not to be? In other words, is government on the right or not? That’s the question GhanaWeb sought to find answers to, when it took a tour through the streets of the capital to capture the views of some Ghanaians. Here is what a few of them had to say:

“The virus can’t thrive in Africa considering our hot weather conditions. It isn’t so in Europe and America; that is why they’ve recorded high cases. I don’t understand why the president had to roll out all those strict measures. It isn’t necessary,” Eric, a young man who sells shoes told GhanaWeb.

“The government must ease the restrictions. We miss all those events. We can't even have fun. Loneliness has set in due to the coronavirus,” Evans, a phone dealer advised.

“I don’t think ease in the coronavirus restriction will favour the country. I doubt if people can adhere to the strict measures at churches and funeral grounds,” another said.

Meanwhile, Ghana's Health Service has announced some new 156 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in the country, bringing the number of cases to 6,964 as at Tuesday, May 26, 2020.

The recoveries also have increased by 27, making it 2,097, from its previous 2,070.

President Akufo-Addo has indicated that plans are underway to further ease the coronavirus restrictions that had been earlier implemented to contain the virus in Ghana.

Speaking to Muslims in a virtual message on Eid-ul-Fitr on May 24, 2020, he mentioned that a roadmap for easing the restrictions will be available this week once Stakeholder consultations are completed. This comes in a month after the 3-week partial lockdown was lifted in major parts of the country including Accra and parts of Kumasi in the Asante Region.