Ghana records highest number of COVID-19 cases after lock down ease

Ghana has the highest number of coronavirus cases in West Africa and according to the data obtained from the world health Organisation, no fewer than 4,102 people have tested positive for the covid-19. Ghana’s case statistics passed the 5,000 mark after 427 new cases were recorded according to head of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Aboagye. The case count is now at 5,127.

Speaking on the Tema fish country incident, he said aggressive contact tracing and follow ups were ongoing in Tema. Of the new cases, the Ashanti region recorded 307 new cases. Out of which 272 were from Obuasi, the gold-rich town. “Obuasi is now the hottest spot where we have massive search and identification ongoing,” he added. The increase in the number of cases was witnessed after lifting of the three-week lockdown imposed on major cities that saw the people cry for new measures that did not take away from their livelihood.

President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana cited improved coronavirus testing and the “severe” impact of the restrictions on the poor and vulnerable for lifting the lockdown in the country. The 21-minute address touched on amongst others: the jumbo infection recorded at a fish factory in the industrial city of Tema late last week. The president said that all 533 persons were infected by one person without giving any further details, he also extend the ban on public gatherings until the end of May when new directives shall be given. School and universities however, will remain closed.

Meanwhile General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Justice Yankson has cautioned against a possible surge in the number of virus-related deaths in the country. “If we don’t take time and our health system is overwhelmed, a lot of people won’t get access to health care and even the deaths that we are worried about could go up,” he told local outlet Citi TV. He added, “Gradually every fabric is being affected by COVID-19 in relation to gender, geographical location, among others. When you juxtapose the increasing number to the rate at which we are growing to the sort of health facilities we have, then you can realize that we are in trouble.”