Deputy Minister of Health Dr Bernard Oko-Boye has said the introduction of spot fines for persons who defy the directive to wear facemasks as a preventive measure against the spread of the coronavirus, will help to serve as a deterrent to others and promote compliance.     

In spite of the government’s directive, making it mandatory for the wearing of nose masks, some persons are hesitant in wearing the mask under the guise of having difficulties in breathing.

But Dr Oko-Boye says the masks have proven to be very effective in containing the spread of the virus.

He said: “If you have a thousand people who are not wearing masks, it’s because people assume that if you don’t wear it, it comes with no consequences. If you ask one person to pay GHS50 or GHS100 and it is known that someone was charged GHS100 for not wearing the mask, people will fall in line.

“There is a difference between knowledge acquisition and behavioural change. When you see someone not wearing the mask, it doesn’t mean he hasn’t been informed that wearing the mask is good for you. Humans beings, by nature, because we exercise freedom, sometimes we decide to do what we like and that is why it’s important to have laws…”