Public urged to cooperate with security personnel in enforcing restrictions

Accra, March 30, GNA – The Ghana Police Service has called on the public to cooperate with security personnel enforcing the restrictions on the COVID-I9 pandemic to achieve the ultimate goal.

More importantly, those in Accra, Tema, Kasoa, and Kumasi should conform within the two-week period to contain the COVID-I9 for the benefit of both residents and the public in general.

The enforcement is led by the Police with other security services complementing, including the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Immigration Service, Bureau of National Investigations and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.

Superintendent of Police, Mrs Sheila Abayie-Buckman, the Director General of the Public Affairs Unit, said there would not only be restrictions in the affected areas – Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi – but a nationwide law enforcement to ensure a total adherence to the directives.

She said road blocks would be mounted at the affected areas to curtail the movement of people in and out of those areas.

Areas to be blocked in Accra are Weija Toll Booth, Ayi Mensah Toll Booth, Mensah Bar on the Dodowa Road, Apolonia Kubeikrom, Ashaiman New Jerusalem and the Beach Road, Supt Abayie-Buckman said.

In the Ashanti Region, Ejisu on the Accra Kumasi Road, Abuakwa on the Sunyani-Nkawie Bibiani Road, Suame on Abrepo-Barekese Road, Offinso-Techiman Road, Tafo-Pankrono on the Mampong Road, and Asokwa-Kuntanase on the road leading to Bekwai, would be blocked.

The Tema blocks would be at the Asutuare Junction Barrier on the Akosombo Road, Tsopoli Barrier on the Aflao Road as well as Ashaiman to Santor and Apolonia.

At the Ewutu Senya East, (Kasoa), there would be blocks at the Adam Nana, New Station Traffic Light, Oklu Nkwanta, First Traffic Light, Estate Junction, Las Vegas, Chrispo City, CP Junction, Kakra Junction, Walatu Junction and Pink FM.

However, vehicles transporting medical supplies, health personnel or other essential service providers would be allowed to pass.

She explained that activities such as cooked food and foodstuff vending, visiting the public toilet, transacting banking activities, and purchase of medicines were allowed.

Supt Abayie-Buckman said seats should not be provided at food joints and restaurants, among others, adding that one the food was bought, it must be sent home.

Outdoor activities like draft and football playing, hawking, dawn preaching and jogging among others would not be allowed to ensure, as much as possible, that people stayed at home.

She advised commercial vehicle operators to observe the social distancing directive by carrying two persons on a seat that carried three and four, and three persons on seats that carried five.

It would also be unacceptable to honk and solicit for non-existent passengers due to the situation.

Supt Abayie-Buckman said using motorbikes for commercial purposes was prohibited, adding that only those exempted would be allowed to use bikes.

She urged the public to call the emergency numbers: 18555, 191 and 112 for clarification on the restrictions.

She warned miscreants not to take advantage of the situation to commit crime including selling of fake sanitizers and breaking into shops as they would be arrested and prosecuted.

In general, police with the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit would ensure road regulations were adhered to, she added.
GNA