Coronavirus: Why close down churches but leave nightclubs open? – President questioned

Governments ban on public gatherings did not include nightclubs

Some Ghanaians are wondering why the president has banned church gatherings for the next four weeks, but has said that nightclubs and other businesses can go on and operate in spite of the coronavirus.

Last night, as part of drastic measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, banned nearly all public gatherings but exempted businesses that entail gatherings such as nightclubs, instructing such businesses to observe enhanced hygiene practices.

“All Universities, Senior High Schools, and basic schools, i.e. public and private schools, will be closed Monday, 16th March, 2020, till further notice. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, has been tasked to roll out distance learning programmes. However, BECE and WASSCE candidates will be allowed to attend school to prepare for their examinations, but with prescribed social distancing protocols…

[But] Establishments, such as supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, night clubs, hotels and drinking spots, should observe enhanced hygiene procedures by providing, amongst others, hand sanitizers, running water and soap for washing of hands” the President stated.

But some Ghanaians are critical of the president following these directive allowing nightclubs to operate while churches have been banned.

Below are some social media reactions to the directive