The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) and the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council have encouraged the Ghana Police Service to strictly enforce Executive Instrument 164 which makes it mandatory for all Ghanaians to wear face covering in their interaction with people as a way to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The call was made when the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Authority and the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Ishmael Ashitey presented 2000 facemasks and 200 bottles of 250ml hand sanitizers to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command on Thursday 25th June, 2020.
Public Education
Addressing a small gathering of Police Officers and the media at the premises of the Greater Accra Regional Police, the CEO commended the Police for prioritizing public education on issues relating to the pandemic.
He also praised them for rising to the occasion to enforce the new law on compulsory wearing of face covering, an effort which has seen the arrest of some people who were found without facemasks in Accra.
He noted that, as an Authority, CODA will continue to do its part by raising public awareness and supporting the most vulnerable with PPEs to stop the spread of the virus.
Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib emphasised that the power to enforce the new law remains in the hands of the Police and as such it was important to support Police personnel to continue to efficiently carry out that task albeit with utmost protection against the virus, hence the presentation.
Enforcement of law is key
In his speech, Hon Ashitey, who doubles as the Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), thanked CODA for the gesture and called on other public organisations as well as private corporate bodies to emulate the example of CODA to support law enforcement agencies to stem the tide of the pandemic.
He added that “it is significant to point out that, education and enforcement of wearing of mask has become necessary with the coming into effect of E.I 164 and for that matter, there is the urgent need for us to lend our support to Ghana Police Service in the discharge of their duties”
Greater Accra Regional Commander of Police, DCOP Mr. Frederick Adu Anim thanked the CEO and Regional Minister for their generousity towards the Regional Police Command.
He assured that, the Police will strictly enforce E.I 164 to ensure strict compliance with the law for the next three months that it will be in place.
Executive Instrument 164
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in accordance with powers granted him under the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012) signed and gazetted a new Executive Instrument (E.I 164) on June 15, 2020 which has made it mandatory to wear face masks for the next three (3) months.
The law shall apply in all parts of Ghana and failure to comply will result in a prison sentence of four to 10 years or a fine of GH¢12,000 to GH¢60,000, or both.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith