Former President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to be more conscious of their health going into the New Year.

The former President’s call follows an upsurge in COVID-19 cases across the country in the past few days.

The number of active cases has shot up due to the Omicron variant.

In his New Year message, the former President said: “Over the last 2 weeks, many people are nursing colds and flu-like symptoms, but with most people not going for a COVID test, it is being attributed to the seasonal harmattan weather.”

Mr Mahama noted: “The yuletide season was characterised by super-spreader events such as mega concerts, street carnivals and beach parties".

“The New Year season is here! Let's be more conscious of our health as we pray for health workers because of the more transmissible omicron variant.”

He urged Ghanaians to continue to observe the COVID-19 protocols to avoid further transmission of the disease.

“Observe social distancing, wash your hands as frequently as possible, avoid handshakes, use hand sanitisers and wear a mask.”

The former President added: “And please GET VACCINATED if you haven't done so yet. If you have, go for your second dose.”