The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Dr Ernest Addison, has instructed all banks to ensure that critical and front line staff are provided with protective equipment and gear in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The chairman of the Monetary Policy Committee said the committee is observing the situation and interventions shall be communicated accordingly on Monday, March 23, 2020.

In the interim, it said all Banks, Savings and Loans Companies, Finance Houses, Microfinance Institutions, Rural and Community Banks and Foreign Exchange Bureaux, are directed to activate their business continuity and disaster recovery plans proportionate to the current circumstance and to review these plans as the situation changes.

It added “To abide by the public notices and advisory issued by the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service and other relevant authorities, in relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“To enhance protective and safety procedures for all Staff namely; to ensure that all Banking Halls, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Counting Machines and other relevant equipment are sanitised on a regular basis; ensure that Staff and Customers comply with the social distancing practice; ensure that critical and front line staff are provided with protective equipment and gear, for example, gloves, face masks, etc.; to provide hand sanitising dispensers at entry and other vantage points.

“To ensure all electronic channels are fully functional at all times and ATMs do not run out of cash.”