Health authorities in Ghana say it is unethical to make public names of government appointees who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the country.

Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, is however encouraging such persons who have been diagnosed with the disease to declare their status voluntarily.

“As I mentioned, I cannot really ethically, tell you all these numbers and mention names and their status. It cannot be done. I’m sure there are media men who have also been exposed and we don’t have their numbers and names [in the public domain] but those who came out and did that voluntarily, that’s what we encourage. We are not going to be able to mention anybody’s name and there is no need,” the Director-General said.

Concerns have been raised by a section of the Ghanaian people after it emerged that some appointees who may have had contact with the country’s President have been admitted at the hospital after being Covid-19 positive.

Ghana’s Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang Manu, Okere MP Dan Botwe among others had tested positive for the virus.

The latest to succumb to Covid-19 is the CEO of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John.

News of his demise has shocked many, especially the rank and file of the ruling New Patriotic Party.