President Akufo-Addo has stated that Ghanaians can now embrace and shake hands with one other in public with ease.
The review of COVID-19 safety measures comes at a time when the World Health Organisation has stated that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency.
The president revealed the ease with COVID restrictions when he addressed the country on Sunday, May 28, 2023, in his last update on the country’s preparedness towards the fight against COVID-19.
“That culturally defining Ghanaian symbol, the handshake, was prohibited and frowned upon and we were advised not to hug our children and our loved ones…
“… Fellow Ghanaians, throughout these trying times, I kept urging all of you to believe that this, too, shall pass. Dare I say that this too has passed? The emergency is over, and we can safely lift many of the oppressive restrictions we have had to endure, we can shake hands, we can hug, we can visit, and we no longer have to wear masks,” he said.
The president, however, urged that such practices as the “regular hand washing and other personal hygiene measures” be maintained “so they become entrenched national habits.”
In 2020, Ghana sternly enforced safety protocol measures such as social distancing, no public gatherings, use of sanitizer and washing of hands regularly with soap.