Happy98.9FM’s reporter, Prince Poakwa Brown, has reported that the adherence to COVID-19 protocols by masses who have turned up for the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) ‘March for Justice’ has been impressive.
Reporting live from the Accra Mall, he indicated that as promised by the party, they have ensured that all persons participating in the demonstration have masked up with some doubling their protection with face shields.
He noted, however, that the party had failed to ensure social distancing, provide hand sanitizers to all participants of the demonstration and hand washing basins at vantage points, as was promised earlier.
“I can say that the social distancing promised by the NDC throughout the demonstration is not being respected. I have also not seen any Veronica buckets or handwashing basins at vantage points and sanitizers promised have not been distributed. I have only seen demonstrators wearing their nose masks and that needs to be commended. About 95 percent of demonstrators are wearing their nose masks but the rest of the COVID-19 safety protocols are not being adhered to,” he told Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning Show.
Prince noted that aside from these, demonstrators are organized and peaceful with more people still trooping in to the venue. “The numbers are quiet encouraging with both members of the NDC and the ordinary Ghanaian joining the demonstration. The National Chair of the NDC, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Deputy General Secretary, Peter Boamah Otokonor and some party big wigs and regional executives are all present for the demonstration.”
Prior to the demonstration, Public Health Physician and member of the opposition National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) COVID-19 task-force, Dr. Jehu Appiah, assured that the party’s planned ‘March for Justice’ intended to get justice for the Ejura victims will be under the strictest adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.
He indicated that the party has not left anything to chance and has well prepared itself to ensure the safety of participants and prevent the spread of the virus.
Outlining preparations made towards ensuring safety at the demonstration, Dr. Jehu Appiah said, “We’ve bought nose masks and sanitizers to be distributed to demonstrators. We want all of them to demonstrate under all COVID-19 safety protocols. We need this to happen for their own safety and nothing less. This demonstration will be different from what we have seen over the years.”
The politician added that demonstrators will be well-spaced out to respect social distancing “and we will keep announcing the need for social distancing throughout the demonstration. This is the best I can assure and we will ensure protocols are observed,” but reports today have proven otherwise.
The NDC is set to commence its ‘March for Justice’ today,Tuesday, July 6, 2021, intended to get justice for the Ejura victims who were shot by the police during a protest against the murder of #FixTheCountry activist, Ibrahim Kaaka Mohammed.