It’s Important To Save Lives Than Adhere To Procedure — Deputy PR Officer Defends Health Minister.
The Deputy Public Relations Officer at the Health Ministry, John Ada Tettey has rubbished calls for the resignation of the health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman Manu.
Speaking to Wontumionline.com, Mr Tettey said Mr Agyeman Manu acted as a humane person by prioritising the Health of Ghanaians than heeding to procedure.
He noted that Ghanaians needed to be vaccinated and on time and all that the Health Minister did was to fast track the process by negotiating with the suppliers of Sputnik V to ensure the vaccine was delivered on time.
Mr Tettey said it is not surprising that the Minister admitted using the wrong approach but explained to the Parliamentary Committee that he did what he did so he could save the lives of Ghanaians and seek Parliamentary approval of the contract afterwards.
DETAILS:
Mr Tettey said Mr Agyeman Manu expended much effort to negotiate the rate and price of the vaccine from Sputnik V.
This is because the suppliers, according to the Minister had wanted to sell the drugs above the 19 dollars they eventually agreed to.
The Deputy Public Relations Officer therefore noted that the country did not incur a loss since the time was crucial for the vaccine to be used to cater for the persons who undertook the census.
He noted that even though the contract has since been abrogated with Sheikh Maktoum, supplier of Sputnik V, the country gained from the initial dose since precious lives have been saved.
ADVICE:
Mr Tettey advised the public that they take their health matters seriously.
This is because before the country lands on a permanent supplier they would have to take the hand washing etiquette serious to prevent being infected with COVID-19 disease, he noted.
The Deputy PR officer indicated the need for people to obey the social distancing as well as the periodic hand sanitising regime in force.
These protocols, he noted are the best to prevent people from contracting or being infected with the viral disease as the country seeks to secure enough vaccine to inoculate its population in full.
STORY BY MICHAEL OFOSU-AFRIYIE, KUMASI.