Upper West Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service has started strictly enforcing the ban on social gathering and the other restrictive measures imposed by government to curtail the spread of COVID-19. The police kick-started the strict enforcement on Monday May 18,2020 after giving a stout warning to recalcitrant citizens in the region who are defying government’s ban on social gatherings and other COVID-19 restrictive measures to immediately stop it or face the wrath of the police.
In a statement issued by the Upper West Regional Public Relations Officer of the Police, Gideon Boateng says the command is all out to ensure full enforcement of the directives after observing that some people still gather to drink tea and others not observing the social distancing protocol.
The statement further indicated that, food vendors, bar operators as well as restaurant owners henceforth are to serve their customers on takeaways as the command will no longer tolerate eating at the chop bars and restaurants.
The Police further directed ‘Camboo’ drivers and commercial drivers to ensure the social distancing protocol in their activities or have the police to contend with.
Below is the full statement issued by the police:
ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTION ORDER ACT
The Upper West Regional Police Command wishes to inform the general public that, the social distancing directive and the ban on social gathering are still in force.
Food chains, restaurants can operate takeout and delivery services only and under no circumstance should drinking bars and night clubs operate per the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture letter dated Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Whoever needs beverages is liable to buy from drinking bars, hotels and leave for the house to enjoy but not to gather at a place.
It has also been observed that some youth gather in huge numbers to enjoy “ataaya” from evening till day break, which is against the president’s directives. Also, “camboo” riders and vehicular users are reminded of the social distancing protocol.
The Command is on this note giving a window of privilege from Friday, May 15, 2020 till Sunday, May 17 to prepare and desist from the act. The Regional Police Commander, DCOP Mr. Francis Aboagye Nyarko states that, he who flouts the law will be arrested and prosecuted at a competent court of jurisdiction.
REGIONAL PRO/UWR
INSPR. GIDEON O. BOATENG