Public gallery of Ghana’s parliament closed over Covid-19 fears

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The public gallery of Ghana’s parliament has been temporarily closed down.

The decision was announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, local media reported.

The House said the closure will be in place “until further notice”.

Meanwhile, the House is expected to receive emergency legislations from the Presidency to enforce the new public gathering advisories announced by President Nana Akufo-Addo last Sunday.

Government on Sunday, March 15, 2020 announced public gathering advisories to check the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Among other things, he announced a ban on funerals, festivals, all religious activities, conferences and all other events that call for a mass gathering of people.

The president also directed the Attorney General to immediately submit to Parliament an emergency Legislation in accordance with Article 21 to help enforce all the measures announced.

He said he has further directed the Minister of Health to exercise his powers under section 169 of the Public Health Act, 2012, Act 851 by the immediate issuance of an Executive Instrument to govern the relevant and called on Parliament to support the Executive in “national endeavour.”

6 Covid-19 cases recorded in Ghana

Six persons tested positive of the Covid-19 disease in Ghana.

The sufferers included a Norwegian Embassy staff and five others including a University of Ghana student.

The government has also imposed a travel ban to prevent further spread.

Africa’s coronavirus cases surpass 400 with 8 deaths

At least 30 African countries have now confirmed cases of coronavirus within their jurisdictions.

The total number of cases have now hit at least 413 with 8 fatalities, as more countries report of their first cases.

On Monday Tanzania, Liberia, Benin and Somalia confirmed their first coronavirus cases with Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Cameroon reporting more cases.

African countries are now moving quickly to tame the rate of infection with several restrictions both for citizens and those visiting.

By Jonathan Ofori, Daily Mail GH | Email: Joevica18@gmail.com