Former President John Mahama has described as “disturbing”, reports that some MPs have contracted COVID-19.

The flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress, in a weekend message to Ghanaians, also said it was important for transparency to reign in the matter.

“Reports that the virus has spread to the Chamber and offices of Parliament is very disturbing”, he said in his write-up, adding: “It adds to the urgency of the situation we face as a country, and while it is important to give hope to citizens it is absolutely necessary to be transparent and communicate the full picture of the extent of the disease”.

Initial reports that two MPs and 13 staff of parliament had tested positive for the virus were vehemently refuted by Parliament, as an institution, and the Majority Leader of the House, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.

However, Minority Chief Whip Muntaka Mubarak later confirmed the cases.

Meanwhile, Mr Mahama, in his piece, said: “Government has, unfortunately, not managed public education on coronavirus efficiently, while the latest communication creates the false impression that all is well with the management and spread of the disease”.

Also, he noted, “the advice from the President and other government officials that we should begin to learn to live with the disease suggests that you and I must take our destiny into our own hands as far as COVID-19 is concerned”.

“This is coming at a time that public education on the disease has dwindled to the extent that observance of hygiene and distancing protocols, as I indicated earlier, appear to be waning”, he observed, adding: “The benefit of wearing face masks at this time is obvious, and I reiterate my call on government to utilise some of the funds from the Stabilisation Fund and the IMF to enhance local production and free distribution of re-usable face masks to especially vulnerable communities and groups”.

“These funds voted by parliament are meant primarily to be used to contain the spread of the virus and the free distribution of masks is essential at this time.

“The absence of an effective mass education programme has contributed to the avoidable stigmatisation of our brothers and sisters who have recovered from the infection. I invite all of you fellow citizens to join me in celebrating all who have recovered from the disease and I urge our traditional, community and faith leaders to assist the authorities in reintegrating them with their families.

“Government's refusal to involve traditional rulers and Assembly members in the education and management of the disease has been a big gap in our National Response Plan.

“Government must set aside some funds to assist those who have lost their means of livelihood and places of abode as a result of stigmatisation”, he added.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Ghana has risen to 7,616, according to the latest figures from the Ghana Health Service.

The number of recoveries has also risen to 2,421.

The death toll remains 34.

Regional breakdown

Greater Accra Region - 5,331

Ashanti Region - 1,160

Western Region - 395

Central Region - 376

Eastern Region - 117

Western North Region - 63

Volta Region - 59

Northern Region - 36

Oti Region - 26

Upper East Region - 26

Upper West Region - 22

North East Region - 2

Savannah Region - 1

Bono Region - 1

Bono East Region - 1

Ahafo Region - 0