The Akuapem North Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region has imposed restrictive measures on the operation of pubs and drinking bars effective Sunday, March 22, 2020, as a complementary measure to prevent coronavirus infection in the municipality.
The municipality records a high number of revelers and tourists mostly from Accra and Tema who troop to party and relax in a conducive weather conditions during weekends.
Despite the suspension of public gatherings by the government, thousands of revelers trooped to the municipality this weekend to enjoy themselves without recourse to safety precautions against the spread of Covid-19.
A statement issued and signed by the Municipal Chief Executive for the area, Denis Edward Aboagye, explained that ” the Assembly over the weekend noted with great concern, the overcrowded nature of some pubs/Bars within the municipality especially Akropong, Amanokrom, Mampong, Tutu, and Larteh which contravenes H.E the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo -Addo’s directive on social distancing and enhanced hygiene protocols.”
The statement added “this situation poses a great threat to public safety and increases the risk of the spread of Covid-19 considering the 1000s of patrons in the pubs/bars at night without recourse to the precautionary measures”
The Municipal Assembly, therefore, stated that “Pubs/Bars are strongly advised not to operate after 6:00pm. However, pubs that choose to operate after 6:00pm should adhere to the following; provide veronica buckets, soap, tissue, and bins for the washing of hands. This should be placed at the entrance of the Pub/Bar. Provide hand sanitizers on each table, observe social distancing, tables should be at least 2 meters apart, No pub/bar should have more than 10 people at any given time, No music should be played in and around the pub/bar after 6:00pm.”
The Assembly constitutes a task force to monitor and enforce the directive to ensure total compliance.
Ghana has recorded 24 confirmed cases of Covid-19 with one death as of March 22, 2020.The first case was recorded on March 13, 2020
Ghana’s President having suspended all social gatherings including Church activities and closed down schools since March 16, 2020, Saturday, March 18, 2020, announced the closure of all borders both by Land, Sea and Air space. Also, mandatory 14 days quarantine for all permitted travelers to Ghana as part of enhanced measures to control the spread of the disease.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Obed Ansah
