The Aburi Atweasin Kyedomhene who is also the CEO of Jilcon Construction and Petroleum, Nana Opare Kwarfo I has admonished Ghanaians, especially traders and commercial drivers to attach seriousness to the measures outlined by Government and the Ghana Health Service to help curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

The chief who expressed concern at the blatant disregard for the various safety protocols being preached by sections of the general public including ensuring of social distance, wearing of face mask, regular and proper handwashing, desisting from touching surfaces and ones face, etc. said heeding the directives was the best way out to curb the pandemic as the country is not in normal times.

Nana Opare Kwarfo I, a retailer with Vivo Energy (Shell) made the call during the handing over of four (4) large polytanks with running water stations, veronica buckets with paddle machines attached, boxes of liquid soap, bundles of tissues, laser thermometers, masks, etc. to traders and drivers in Koforidua including the Central Market, Juaben Serwaa Market and the Main Koforidua Station.

The polytanks and items amounting to Ghc 60, 000 and jointly provided by Nana Opare Kwarfo I and Vivo Energy, are to help in the fight against COVID-19 in the New Juabeng South Municipality.

The Chief who described the pandemic as “a matter of life and death,” asked the traders and drivers to take the warnings seriously especially as the figures keep increasing.

“We can only take safety precautions if we appreciate the gravity of the disease,” Nana Nana Opare Kwarfo I said.

“The best way to avoid the spread of the pandemic is by exercising handwashing precautions just as being advocated for by the president and health authorities.”

He identified the markets as one of the critical places for the spread of the covid-19 which required sustained interventions to avert the spread.

The Kyedomhene and CEO of Jilcon Construction and Petroleum urged the general public to respect the various safety protocols being preached by the president and health authorities.

He also challenged traditional leaders to ensure that their relevance comes into play during these trying moments by leading the campaign in their various communities.

On his part, the outgoing Territory Manager of Vivo Energy in Charge of the Eastern Region, Mr. Paul Mends in explaining the reasons for the gesture said handwashing remained the most effective means to avert contracting the disease.

He recognized safety precautions as the energy firm’s number one priority with collaboration being the best approach to tackling the disease.

“Covid-19 is real and this is a global fight and Shell wants to join in the fight against covid-19 and we know that handwashing is the most power full tool to fight this disease,” said Mr. Paul Mends.

To him, the safety of their patrons remains their priority.

“At shell, our number one priority is safety,” said Mr. Mends. “When we don’t have anyone, there’s no business.”

The Eastern Regional manager for the Shell Stations in Koforidua, Dr. Richard Opoku also said, they are not compromising on the safety protocols at their various stations to help ensure the safety of their customers.

The beneficiaries including the market women and driver were thankful for the gesture and promised to keep to the protocols to stay safe.