The Restrictions Law which was Assent and Gazetted on 21st March 2020 is expected to last for three months.
The object of this Act is to provide for powers to the President to impose restrictions on persons, to give effect to in the event or imminence of an emergency, disaster or similar circumstance to ensure public safety, public health and protection.
A person who fails to comply with a restriction imposed under the Executive Instrument issued under subsection (1) of section 2 commits an offense and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than one thousand penalty units and not more than five thousand penalty units or a term of imprisonment of not less than four years and not more than ten years or both.
President Nana Akufo-Addo in a televised address on Friday, March 27, restricted movement in some parts of the country for two weeks over the Pandemic COVID-19.
Circumstances for imposition of restriction:
3. (1) The President may restrict subsection (1) of section 2 where the restriction (a) is reasonably required in the interest of defense, public safety, public health or the running of essential services; (b) is reasonably required on the movement or residence within Ghana of any person or persons generally, or any class of persons; (c) is required to restrict the freedom of entry into Ghana, or movement in Ghana, of a person who is not a citizen of Ghana; or (d) is reasonably required to safeguard the people of Ghana against the teaching or propagation of a doctrine which exhibits or encourages disrespect for the nationhood of Ghana, the national symbols and emblems, or incites hatred against other members of the community.
(2) The imposition of the restriction under subsection (1) shall be reasonably justifiable by the spirit of the Constitution.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Kofi Atakora
