Leader and flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has urged Ghanaians to practically adhere to the outlined precautionary measures to prevent the novel Coronavirus from spreading.

He said citizens must abide by the state’s directives to stay at home as much as possible in order to slow the spread of the virus and also prevent those who have the disease from infecting others.

The two largest cities in the country–Accra and Kumasi– are on partial lockdown for 14 days, following the escalating confirmed cases since Ghana recorded it’s first 2 cases in March 12, 2020.

A joint military and police force have been charged to ensure that citizens adhere to the lockdown as stated by President Akufo-Addo, but not without brutalities on recalcitrant citizens.

Mr Mahama, who has admonished the security personnel to be firm but fair to all citizens, pleaded with Ghanaians to observe the lockdown religiously.

“My advice to all my fellow citizens, whether your area is affected by the restrictions or not, is to please #StayHome as far as practicable. This will help you to avoid getting infected and also prevent you from infecting others if you have the disease,” the former president said.

“Also, let us continue to regularly wash our hands with soap and under running water.”

Advising his party faithful and Leaders to extend helping hands to underprivileged citizens, Mr Mahama said, “As we have all noticed, COVID-19 does not discriminate between the rich and the poor. Every one of us is at risk.”

“During this period, however, the poor are suffering disproportionately from the effects of social distancing and the lockdown. We need to do more, as a people, to alleviate the suffering of this disadvantaged and vulnerable group,” he added as he commended NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Madina Constituency, Lawyer Francis Xavier Sosu, for reaching out with relief items to homeless persons in his area.

Below is his statement

This is the third day of the expected 14-day partial lockdown announced by the President in some areas of the country, under the Imposition of Restrictions Act 1012 of 2020.

Following this announcement, we have encouraged citizens to abide by the directives to stay at home as much as possible in order to slow the spread of the virus and give the relevant authorities enough space and time to mount a robust response to the pandemic.

We have noted some excesses involving brutalization of the civilian population by some service personnel and I urge the various Service Commanders to urgently brief the men to be firm but fair in the execution of the directives.

My advice to all my fellow citizens, whether your area is affected by the restrictions or not, is to please #StayHome as far as practicable. This will help you to avoid getting infected and also prevent you from infecting others if you have the disease. Also, let us continue to regularly wash our hands with soap and under running water.

As we have all noticed, COVID-19 does not discriminate between the rich and the poor. Every one of us is at risk. During this period, however, the poor are suffering disproportionately from the effects of social distancing and the lockdown. We need to do more, as a people, to alleviate the suffering of this disadvantaged and vulnerable group.

I acknowledge and also commend the contributions of the many who are helping to mitigate the plight of fellow citizens during these times by making donations to health facilities and also to the poor and vulnerable.

I wish to commend, especially, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament, our Parliamentary Candidates and other executive members for responding positively to my call to step out and show compassion and charity to their constituents during this bleak period in our history.

I have particularly noted a video of PC Lawyer Francis Xavier Sosu who is seen personally, serving some homeless residents of Madina with bread and porridge (koko). I want to encourage us all, and all other MPs and Candidates to show compassion and fellow-feeling to our people at this time.

Despite the shortage of essential medical supplies we are managing to procure some PPEs and other supplies, which we shall shortly commence distribution to the Tamale Teaching Hospital and other Regional facilities currently known to have registered cases of COVID-19.

I urge all to do more. As the Medical Director at the Ridge Hospital (GARH) said to me when I presented PPEs and other items to them on Sunday, “like Oliver Twist, we ask for more”.

Please let us all do more!