Former United Nations (UN) Security Advisor and Independent Parliamentary aspirant in the Damongo Constituency, David Tiki Dange has presented 500 sanitisers and 4000 face masks to the people of the constituency.

His presentation follows the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.

Ghana has so far recorded nine cases forcing government to ban all public gatherings.

Mr Dange presented the items during an emergency COVID-19 sensitisation tour around the constituency which commenced on Tuesday, 17 March 2020.

The MP aspirant visited the palace of Yangbonwura, Boresa Tuntunba (II), Busunuwura's Palace, Kojokura, Tailorkura, the Busunu Health Centre, Busunu Market and Jonokponto.

He also engaged people at the Damongo Market, Damongo Police District Headquarters, Damongo Community Health Centre and the Damongo Catholic Hospital.

Yagbonwura Tuntumba Boresa II commended Mr Dange for reaching out to the people in the wake of the outbreak of the deadly disease.

He stated: “It is very difficult to get these items in the open market. We thank you for bringing them to us.”

He also urged the people to adhere to the safety precautions spelt out by the Ghana Health Service and the government in order to prevent further spread of the virus in the country.

For his part, Mr Dange noted that: “this period will be a great test for us as a country. It will be a test for our political leadership, our public institutions and its professionals, and in return, a test of the level of trust the citizenry have in leadership and our institutions. It will be a test of our sense of nationalism and values. Ultimately, it will be a test on our systems and national psyche in general.”

“We don't need COVID-19 to remind us that we need to build an efficient and robust health system. But maybe it will be a rude awakening to the powers that be to commit to building a functional democracy.”

The international Security Expert continued, “this situation requires that we summon our collective strengths and resources to save ourselves. As a former UN official and somebody who has been involved in international humanitarian programmes for a long time, I could not sit unconcerned at a time like this when my expertise is much needed.”