Sam George slams Sammy Gyamfi over government’s compulsory COVID vaccination policy

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The Member of Parliament for Ningo–Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has hit out on the Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, for his recent comments on the government’s decision to make COVID-19 vaccination compulsory for all travelers leaving and visiting the country.

Reacting to the Ghana Health Service’s directive, the NDC’s Communications Officer took to his Facebook page and wrote that “Vaccination must be by choice and not by force.”

Gyamfi added that the directive is an affront to the 1992 Constitution and pledged to use every legitimate means possible to resist the “madness, no matter the cost or stigma.”

However, in a sharp response to his party’s Communication’s Officer, Sam George has indicated the policy is a good step by the Government and called for it to be implemented vigorously.

“Compulsory vaccination upon entry to the Republic? Infringement of rights or public health policy? This is sound public health policy and a very good step by govt. I support it and hope it is implemented vigorously. Public health considerations supercedes personal liberties”, the MP for Ningo-Prampram wrote on his Twitter handle.

In replies to comments by followers on his page, George argued that the State has the legal mandate to adopt a no vaccine, no entry policy or demand compulsory vaccination from anyone entering the country as well as those who decide to attend public functions.

Compulsory vaccination upon entry to the Republic? Infringement of rights or public health policy? This is sound public health policy and a very good step by govt. I support it and hope it is implemented vigorously. Public health considerations supercedes personal liberties. 🦁🇬🇭

— Sam 'Dzata' George (@samgeorgegh) December 14, 2021

On d vaccines, it is compulsory for all unvaccinated persons seeking to enter Ghana or attend mass public events. Why are people not complaining about the yellow card mandate? If you stay in your house, nobody would ask you for vaccine card. Public health and safety trumps all.🦁

— Sam 'Dzata' George (@samgeorgegh) December 14, 2021

As a Member of Parliament, I am guided in my public positions on issues by the 1992 Constitution, Parliament's Standing Orders and Acts of Parliament. Section 22 of the Public Health Act 2012, Act 851 is absolutely clear. The State can mandate vaccination when required. 🦁🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/Rsb8mr3ACn

— Sam 'Dzata' George (@samgeorgegh) December 14, 2021

This comes just after former Minister of Communications Dr. Omane Boamah also stated that the call by the Government is not only legal, but it was meant to protect everyone.

“Over the weekend, friends have asked me if it is right (legal/ethical) for Government to vaccinate Ghanaians ‘by force’ (compulsory vaccination)?” he posted.

“Me: Yes, the Public Health Act states so. It is not only legal but also an act to protect you, your family,.friends and everyone.

“Therefore, please avail yourself to be vaccinated so long as you don’t have a condition which makes it impossible for you to receive the covid-19 vaccine”.

With Only 1.4 million people out of Ghana’s population of 30 million fully vaccinated, the Government will hold a vaccination drive in December after which the vaccine will be mandatory for employees in all arms of government, health workers, security personnel, staff and students of secondary and tertiary education, and commercial drivers subsequently.

Source: Daily Mail GH