Ghana’s case statistics on COVID-19 has passed the 5,000 mark after 427 new cases were recorded according to head of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye. Ghana’s case count is currently at 5,127.
Of the new cases, the Ashanti region recorded 307 new cases. Out of which 272 were from Obuasi, the gold-rich town. “Obuasi is now the hottest spot where we have massive search and identification ongoing,” he noted.
Happy 98.9 FM’s Obuasi correspondent, Meshak Osei has disclosed that residents of Obuasi have insisted that the government of the day put the town under lockdown as it is the only way to curb the further spread of the virus.
Reporting on the Obuasi situation after the town was declared a COVID-19 hotspot on the Happy Morning Show, Meshak said, “I have spoken to some opinion leaders and members of the community who have all cried for either a lockdown or a curfew to be placed on Obuasi”
According to him, the COVID-19 infection rates have gone way up in the town because of the ‘careless’ mindset and the complete disregard for preventive measures. Especially the social distancing policy. “The Obuasi central market was a breeding ground for the virus with traders totally disregarding the social distancing policy.”
He noted that the epicenter in the town, the central market has been closed down with contact tracing actively taking place after the death of one trader from COVID-19.
Meshak disclosed that, though the town is currently not under lockdown, people there are living their life as usual. He appealed to the government to fast track measures to keep the town safe.
He also advised that government increases public announcements and education of the various COVID-19 preventive measures. “Most people in Obuasi disregarded the preventive measures out of ignorance. Some believed that the virus was nonexistent and education is the only way to ensure people put their wellbeing into their own hands.”