Dominic Ayine supports 23 chiefs, traditional landowners against COVID-19 spread

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The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bolgatanga East, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has donated hand-washing containers (Veronica buckets) and hand sanitisers to 23 traditional chiefs and traditional landowners in his constituency against the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Observers say it is the first donation to traditional authorities so far by a lawmaker in the Upper East Region since the emergence of a pandemic that has claimed more than 150,000 lives globally and has occupied science experts with a round-the-clock search for a cure across the globe.

The MP, according to the Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in that constituency, Aneribazanga Aniah Ibrahim, targeted the traditional authorities for the donations because “most people pay visits to the chiefs and the traditional landowners”.

The former Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice extended his anti-COVID-19 donations to health facilities in the Bolgatanga East District by providing them with some personal protective equipment (PPE) worth Gh¢33,000 (5,870 USD). They include 30 Veronica buckets with stands, 30 boxes of hand sanitisers, 3 thermometer guns, facemasks, gloves, protective gowns and dispensers.

“I’m not here to project myself in order to be able to win anybody’s vote or sympathy, but because I need to let the people know that I have concern for their welfare. That is why I am here,” said the MP as he handed over the items to officials of the Bolgatanga East Health Directorate. 

“I wish to thank you very much for all the good work you have done so far. I know you are taking a very huge risk in doing this as public health professionals. If there is anything that I can do to assist you in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, I am always a phone call away,” added the well-known lawyer, surrounded by members of his political party, the NDC. 

Two health workers infected with COVID-19 in Upper East

Meanwhile, two healthcare workers in the region are said to have contracted COVID-19. A statement released by the Upper East Regional Health Directorate also reveals that one of the patients involved in the region’s newly recorded cases has been airlifted to Accra for care.

Below is a breakdown of the update of COVID-19 cases in the region released by the directorate on April 16, 2020, and signed by the Regional Health Director, Dr Winfred Ofosu.

• The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the region are currently 8 (1 death).

• Equal sex distribution (4 females and 4 males), 7 from Bolgatanga Municipality and 1 from Bawku Municipality.

• The first four cases are clinically stable and responding to treatment at the treatment centre in the Regional Hospital, Bolgatanga.

• Out of the 4 new cases, 2 are currently being prepared for admission, 1 was trans-located

(by air) to Accra for care whilst the fourth case, a known diabetic and hypertensive, died on 8th April, 2020, a day after specimen was taken.

• 3 of the 4 new cases were contacts of the first case but the fourth case (from Bawku) however had no epidemiological link with any known case.

• 2 of the new cases are healthcare workers.

• Electronic data capturing for contact tracing and case mapping has been deployed.

By Edward Adeti, Upper East region, Daily Mail GH