The Ghana Medical Association (GMA), has noted with disappointment the total disregard for Covid-19 protocols during the final funeral rites of former Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission of Ghana, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie also known as ‘Sir John’.
A statement signed by the President of the GMA, Dr. Frank Ankobea, said the mass gathering of people with complete disregard for physical distancing and limited use of nose masks occurred in the wake of a caution by WHO to some African countries to prepare for what appears to be a new surge in Covid-19 cases in Africa.
It said GMA was shocked to observe how a nation struggling to vaccinate its population will permit such a super spreader event to take place and be attended by top government functionaries including the President and Vice President of the Republic.
The statement recalled the surge in Covid-19 cases in January-February 2021 which was as a result of similar mass gatherings associated with political activities and Christmas festivities in November and December. It condemned such activities that violate protocols and has the tendency to reverse all gains made in the fight against Covid-19.
The statement therefore called on the law enforcement agencies to investigate and deal with the organisers of the event to serve as a deterrent. It encourages the general public to continue to abide by all Covid-19 protocols as the disease is still real and a present threat to the country.
Meanwhile, Pressure Group, OccupyGhana, has expressed dissatisfaction with what it calls total disregard for COVID-19 protocols at the burial of former CEO of the Forestry Commission, and onetime General Secretary of the NPP.
The event was packed with thousands of politicians, well-wishers and mourners with minimal mask wearing, no social distancing and wanton disregard for the funeral restrictions imposed by government.
OccupyGhana accused government officials of complicity after the country witnessed the colossal human disaster that unfolded in India, caused by unrestrained political activities and religious events with total disregard for COVID-19 protocols.
A statement by the group said government cannot show such a sense of recklessness in these times and not expect to reap disastrous and possibly deadly consequences. It said it is worried that the event could turn out to be a “super spreader event with more deaths and hospitalisations”.
