President Nana Akufo-Addo has said in his 16th COVID-19 address to the nation that: “In the next couple of weeks”, a decision “will be taken on the resumption of contact sports, including football, taking into consideration the imminent participation of our national teams in international competitions”.

“As a known lover of football”, the President noted on Sunday, 30 August 2020, “I know how devastating its absence has been, and it is my hope that very soon we will all have the pleasure of playing and watching the beautiful game again”.

“Until then, non-contact sports are the only sporting events permitted to take place”, the President said.

Additionally, the President said beaches, pubs, cinemas and nightclubs are still to remain closed until further notice.

“All other institutions that have been cleared to function are to continue to do so in strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocols”, Mr Akufo-Addo warned.

The President said “the difficulties imposed on our everyday lives, and the impact COVID-19 has had on our livelihoods, must serve as sufficient motivation for us all to continue to adhere to the enhanced hygiene, mask-wearing and social distancing protocols that must characterise our daily routines in this country.

“The more we adhere, the sooner we defeat the virus, and return to our normal way of life.

“I am confident that this can be soon.

“This challenge is not insurmountable.

“We can do it.

“We have it in us to surmount any challenge if we put our hearts and minds to it.

“While at it, let us continue to pray to Almighty God to keep a benevolent eye on us, and keep us from harm.

“This, too, shall pass! For the Battle is the Lords.

“May God bless us all, and our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong”, the President added.