Accra, March 30, GNA – Accra streets are empty, residents stay home, hawkers disappear, shops closed, whilst the heavy traffic encountered on a normal Monday is absent as the city observes the ‘Stay at home’ lockdown to combat COVID-19.
A ride through some of the principal streets on Monday by the Ghana News Agency showed commercial activities in the national capital were absent with offices and shops closed, while a handful of cars, both commercial and private, were plying the roads.
Some security personnel were also spotted on some routes enforcing the restrictions, especially on the N1 Highway, Awoshie, Kwashieman, Odorkor, Madina, Dzorwulu, Tesano, Roman Ridge, and Accra New Town, with virtually no business activity.
On a typical Monday morning, one would usually have to queue for a taxi to the office, however, the situation was different today as one had to sit in a taxi for close to 45 minutes before it got full, a passenger told the GNA at Awoshie.
The usual taxi fare of GHC6.00 from Kwashieman to the Ministries had increased to Ghc7.00, with drivers observing the social distancing of carrying three passengers; one in front, and two at the back.
Provision had also been made for passengers to wash their hands and sanitize them before boarding the taxi.
From Odorkor to Kaneshie, Abossey Okai, Mortuary Road, James Town and the High Street, the GNA observed that people were adhering to the President’s directive of staying home.
The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area and the Greater Kumasi Area have begun a two-week partial lockdown as announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo last Friday.
The exercise is expected to help curb the spread of the COVId-19 in Accra, Tema, Kasoa, and Kumasi, identified as “hotspots” of the disease.
Residents in affected areas are advised to stay home but could go out to buy essential items including food, water, medicine and engage in banking transactions or use the public toilet.
GNA