The Director of International Affairs of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Emmanuel Attafuah-Danso, has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to remain focused as he deals with the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana.

He said the president has, so far, demonstrated enough commitment to tackling the problem as he also deals with the other needs of Ghanaians at the same time.

In a statement, Mr Attafuah-Danso said: “In the face of this excellent performance, we urge H.E. the President to remain focused and continue to exploit the benefits of science, technology and expert advice to combat the pandemic”.

“We also urge the President to leverage Ghana’s status and membership of international organisations within the context of international conventions and protocols in sharing ideas and best practices in fighting COVID 19”, he said.

He also noted: “The external branches commend frontline workers for risking their lives and putting their skills and expertise to the service of the nation.

“We also commend international organisations, development partners, corporate bodies, religious bodies, all identifiable groups and individuals who have supported the government in whatever form and kind in these times. We entreat all Ghanaians to depoliticize the fight of COVID 19 and rally round the common goal of defeating the virus”.

“As much as possible, all Ghanaians should continue to observe all safety protocols put out by the President, local and international bodies to effectively contain the pandemic.”

The statement added: “The prompt implementation of these far sighted approaches of the President and his government account for Ghana’s better handling of the pandemic. It is therefore not surprising that the President’s approach and commitment to fighting the pandemic has been applauded internationally. Further, the President ought to be commended for thoughtfully rolling out social reliefs and economic stimulus package to cushion the vulnerable in the society and to revive SMEs and the industrial sectors of Ghana which have been hard hit by the pandemic. We also recall the following intervention by the President which has brought relief to Ghanaians for commendation:

“Free water for all Ghanaians for the next three months (April, May and June); Free electricity for all lifeline consumers and 50 per cent discount for all Ghanaians for three months (April, May and June); 50 per cent increase in the salaries of all frontline health and allied workers and tax free salaries for all health workers for April, May and June; A 600 million Ghana cedis stimulus package for SMEs and a 3 billion Ghana cedis concessionary loan for industry; Distribution of hot meals and food items for over 450,000 vulnerable people in Accra and Kumasi.”