The Ghana Tourism Authority says it will commence enforcement of the new COVID-19 directive for the hospitality sector.
President Akufo-Addo in his 23rd COVID-19 update to the nation announced a number of restrictions.
Pubs, beaches, cinemas and night clubs are to remain closed while restaurants are encouraged to as much as possible provide take-away services rather than dine-ins, among others.
Speaking to Citi Business News, Acting Director of Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Tourism Authority, Nelson Jones, stressed that culprits will be made to face the law.
“Ongoing spot checks have already started, but the recalcitrant ones operate during the weekends, so we will garner our resources with the security agencies to clamp down on them. This time around we are going to prosecute them, unlike the former times where we give them warning letters.”
The enforcement exercise will be implemented in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service.
President Akufo-Addo in his address added that measures will be put in place to ensure the restrictions are complied with.
“As we step up public education and enforcement of the protocols on public gatherings, let me also state that regulatory agencies will undertake random checks to ensure conformity with these rules, and the security services will be tasked to enforce them. You do not have to be arrested by the Police before you wear your mask, your workplace should not be closed for non-conformity with the protocols, if there is no urgent reason for you to be outside, please stay at home.”
The President had first banned all public gatherings on March 15, 2020, in his eighth televised broadcast in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Ghana then had just six cases of the disease.
The ban was however extended until the end of May 2020.
But at the moment, Ghana’s case count recorded another surge with active cases currently at over 6,000 and the death toll at 449.
