The Ghana Police Service as part of its mandate to provide enhanced security during this Easter period is appealing to the general public to abide by the COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the President, with legal backing of the Parliament of Ghana, as it will strictly enforce the same.
In a press statement issued and signed by Superintendent Sheilla Kessie Abayie-Buckman, Director, Public Affairs Churches, Mosques and religious bodies should hold services not beyond two hours for 100 participants maximum only, observing all other COVID-19 protocols.
Meanwhile, conventions, crusades, pilgrimages and such large physical gatherings are not allowed while the hosting of any carnival, festival, beach gathering, street dances, procession, parades and such events will be illegal.
She said night clubs are banned from opening as well as cinemas and movie houses whereas all activities of “closed room” bars or pubs including those in hotels remain illegal.
However, open air drinking spots may operate provided that they observe all other COVID-19 protocols.
Supt. Abayie-Buckman added that operators of tourist sites and attractions may open to the public, provided they ensure the wearing of face masks, social distancing and enhanced hygiene by all patrons.
She noted that families may like to take advantage of the holiday period to bury loved ones but must be reminded that it is illegal to hold funerals.
“Private burials may be held with a maximum of twenty-five people if held outside the church or religious facility. For church or religious burial services, the maximum number of participants should be a hundred. In all cases, the COVID-19 protocols are expected to be observed and the duration shall be two hours maximum”, she stressed.
She said together with road safety partners, Police Officers would be present at mapped out traffic congestion and accident prone areas hence, people who drive beyond speed limit, overload, drink and drive and indulge in such other traffic irregularities shall be arrested.
Supt. Abayie-Buckman disclosed that plain clothes and uniformed officers will be deployed to monitor compliance and take the necessary actions during the occasion and appealed to the public for cooperation to ensure a peaceful Easter holiday season.
However, the Police Administration encourages the public to continue to be vigilant and report all criminal activities to the nearest Police Station or calling the telephone numbers 0550323323 or 0275000156 and Toll Free numbers 18555, 191 or 112 to report on emergency crime situations.
Story: Seth Ameyaw Danquah
