Coronavirus: Stop spreading fake news or be held accountable – Akufo-Addo warns

President Akufo-Addo has sent out a strong warning to persons behind the dissemination of false information about the spread of COVID-19 since its outbreak in the country.

According to him, these acts are being orchestrated by those who hope to benefit by seeking to sow the seeds of panic and confusion amongst the populace at this time of national crisis.

"I have an unequivocal message for those involved in these despicable acts – put an immediate stop to it, or be held accountable for your actions," he said during his live televised broadcast to the nation on Sunday.

Akufo-Addo added that he is concerned about the reports of stigmatisation against some persons who have recovered from the novel virus, which he believes will drive people away from being screened.

“I have noticed, with great concern, the stories of some persons, who have recovered from the virus, now being confronted with another problem, i.e. stigmatization. This is not right, as it will rather drive people away from getting screened, tested and treated. The stigmatization of recovered persons must stop because if the virus did not end their lives and livelihoods, the stigma from members of their communities should not,” he emphasised.

As parts of the measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the country, President Akufo-Addo in his address lifted the three-week ban on the restriction of movements in some parts of the country.

Despite the lifting of the ban, Ghana’s borders will remain closed. The ban on social gatherings of not more than 25 persons is also still in place.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo observed that “lifting these restrictions does not mean we are letting our guard down.”

“I am demanding even greater adherence to these measures,” he stressed.