As part of efforts to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic in Ghana, the Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has launched a campaign dubbed the "Wear Your Mask" campaign.

The multifaceted campaign hinges on targeting key sections of society who meet and interact with large numbers of people daily to educate them and make them anti-COVID-19 public education ambassadors as well as provide them with face masks.

Delivering a speech at the launch which took place at the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, Chief Executive Officer of the Coastal Development Authority (CODA), Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib revealed that the Authority will donate 220,000 face masks and hand sanitizers to fishers, commercial drivers, traders and market women within the Coastal Development Zone on a constituency by constituency basis.

Target group

Speaking on the rationale behind the selection of the target group, the CEO stated that CODA’s core focus is “to educate the selected beneficiaries for them to appreciate the magnitude of the situation we are confronted with and to take all measures to ensure their safety and the safety of their clients, relatives and loved ones.

“Commercial drivers are an important part of our lives as they transport commuters in their trotros and taxis. It is therefore crucial for trotro drivers and mates to understand the issues surrounding the pandemic in order for them to enforce preventive measures as passengers join their vehicles”.

Regarding traders and market women, Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib pointed out that they are a critical part of our country’s battle against COVID-19, as such it is necessary for them to strictly adhere to preventive measures at market centers to avoid the spread of the pandemic. He further entreated them to educate their clients, families and loved ones on preventive protocols.

On the fisherfolk, the CEO said there is the need for them “to understand the severity of the pandemic to enable them protect themselves, their customers and their families as they go about their daily activities. It is important to highlight the dangers of being infected and emphasise the need to wear face masks, among other measures”.

The CEO also thanked the media for their hard work in explaining issues to citizens to enhance understanding of the key messages about the pandemic and how to deal with it.

Other speakers at the event were Hon. Stanley Nii Adjiri Blankson, Member of the Council of State, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon Ishmael Ashitey, Chief of Sempe, Nii Adote Otintor II, the Regional Director of Operations of Ghana Police, Chief Superintendent Kwasi Fori and representatives GPRTU, market queens and the fishing community. Participants at the colourful event included the Mayor of Accra, Mohammed Adjei Sowah.

With the launch of the "Wear Your Mask" campaign, traders, market women, fishers and commercial drivers in each constituency within the Coastal Development Zone are set to benefit from at least 2,000 pieces of reusable face masks and hand sanitizers. The campaign will take place in all six regions and beneficiary target groups in all 109 constituencies will be involved.