No state official has tested positive for coronavirus - Government

Communications Director at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin has debunked rumours some state officials have contracted the deadly coronavirus and have been placed under quarantine.

Describing the speculations as false propaganda, Mr Arhin asked the general public to disregard such allegations.

His reaction comes after a release listed some state officials who joined the president’s entourage on a working visit to five European countries last month as having contracted the deadly COVID-19. The listed names included Nana Asante Bediatuo, Executive Secretary to the President; Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Transport Minister; Shirley Ayorkor Botcwey, Foreign Affairs Minister; and Senior Minister Yaw Osafo-Maafo.

Two weeks ago during a press briefing, the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah similarly denied allegations on social media that some officials have contracted COVID-19.

Cautioning the public to desist from pushing propaganda and rather push preventive practices like hand washing and social distancing, Oppong Nkrumah said “There are people even though in these trying times, take delight in fabricating stories and throwing them out there on social media. Sometimes for political purposes, sometimes for mere humour, we would like to discourage such practices.”

Ghana has so far recorded 152 cases with 5 deaths and 2 recoveries.