In the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ghana, former Medical Director of the Ridge Hospital, Dr. Thomas Anaba has advised the public to use locally distilled gin-Akpeteshie to wash their hands in the absence of hand sanitizer that has seen its price skyrocketing.

Following the confirmation of the coronavirus disease in Ghana, there’s been a run on hand sanitizers. And now, sanitizers are exceedingly hard to come by.

Where it isn’t sold out, enterprising sellers are charging outrageously inflated prices to make huge profits.

But commenting on the development in an interview with host Kwaku Owusu Adjei on Anopa Kasapa on Kasapa 102.5FM Monday, Dr. Thomas Anaba said members of the public have an alternative to the hand sanitizer in Akpeteshie which is equally effective.

He advised anyone who can’t buy hand sanitizers due to the excessive price to go in for the local gin which is relatively very cheap but effective.

“In the absence of the hand sanitizer, we also advise people that at least we have alcoholic brewers in Ghana. You can go in for akpeteshie and put it in your hand sanitizer container if it is empty and you can use it to rob your hands. It is equally effective, alcohol is all you need to rob your hands. I’m not saying they should consume it to prevent getting the coronavirus disease. I’m saying just use it to rob your hands. If you drink it you get intoxicated and if you drink it too much you rather weaken your immune system but what we want is the cleansing of the hand. So you rob your hand with the alcohol, it makes the virus shrink and dies,” Dr. Anaba stated.

Ghana has so far confirmed six cases of the deadly Coronavirus.

President Akufo Addo on Sunday announced the shut down of all educational institutions – universities, second cycle schools and basic schools effective, March 16, 2020 until further notice.

However, BECE and WASSCE candidates will be allowed to prepare for their examination under prescribed social safety protocols.

All public gatherings, including conferences, workshops, funerals, political rallies, sporting events, such as services in churches and mosques have been suspended for the next four weeks.

Private burials are however permitted but with limited numbers not exceeding 25 people in attendance.

President Akufo Addo reiterated that travel bans announced are still in force.