Out of the 26 recorded cases of COVID-19 in the Upper East Region, 20 have recovered and have been discharged from the treatment Centre in Bolgatanga.

Madam Tangoba Abayage, the Upper East Regional Minister confirmed this, took to her Facebook page to announce that: “I have great news, Upper East Region! 20 out of the 26 cases of COVID-19 in the Region have recovered.

“We thank God and all who have helped to make this possible, they're part of us and need love; not stigma!”

Out of the 26 COVID-19 cases recorded in the region, two died while four were managed at home.

Some residents in Bolgatanga, the Regional capital, which had 18 positive recorded cases expressed joy and gratitude to God for His intervention and said they were happy that the infected persons had recovered and were discharged.

Ms Sophia Akumagoa Bawa, a teacher in the Municipality said: “It is refreshing news to hear that the Region has made some remarkable recoveries and it is my prayer that the remaining patients will also recover soon.”

She insisted that despite the recovery rate, residents should not relent on the Ghana Health Service protocols, which according to her had the potential to completely eradicate the virus from the Region and country so they could return to school for normal academic activities.

A Nigerian motorbike spare parts dealer in Bolgatanga, Mr Joseph Ugwu, said business had slowed down since the Region recorded its first case of the virus, “Our businesses have not been the same when the Region recorded its case, it was better at the time the Region had not recorded any case.”

“On Saturday for instance, I sat in my shop the whole day. No one even passed by to greet me let alone buy something. I hope that with the recoveries in the Region and entire country, businesses will return to normal,” he said.

“God is at work, He has begun His work. If 20 COVID-19 patients in the Region have recovered we thank God. The virus is gradually leaving us.” Ms Maria Ramani, a sales lady said.

A victim of the virus, who recovered, spoke to the GNA in an interview on condition of anonymity and said: “As for me, I have not experienced any stigma from people who knew I was infected in my community.”

The victim, who is a health professional, however, expressed worry that colleague health professionals, who were expected to know better, were rather the ones exhibiting some form of stigma towards her when they met her.

According to the recovered COVID-19 victim, “They should know better, but they are rather trying to stigmatize me. It is unfortunate, but I am fine, my community and family have shown me, love.”