A few weeks ago, we used this column to warn Ghanaians about the dangers of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, and the need to protect themselves. We again warned that the trajectory of the disease in Ghana is similar to what happened in Europe before it blew out of proportions and started killing people in their thousands.
At the time we were making this submission, our infection rate had not even crossed 1,500, but today, not only have we doubled the infection rate, but it is actually inching closer to five thousand infections, with over 20 deaths. Despite this clear danger staring us in the face, some Ghanaians are still taking the disease for a joke and, therefore, refusing to observer the basic protocols.
Sekondi-Takoradi, Kumasi and other metropolises have made it mandatory for the residents to wear nose masks as part of measures to control the spread of the disease. Regrettably, video clips going round on social media show that some of the people are giving the security personnel a tough time in their attempt to enforce the orders of the respective assemblies.
These recalcitrant residents claim the Covid-19 does not exist and that they are being forced against their will to wear the nose masks. Others also claim the Lord Almighty they worship would protect them against the contraction of the disease, and that they should be left alone. If you have a population that has this sort of mentality, despite the fear that the Covid19 has brought to bear on mankind, then we are in for serious trouble.
The Bible is replete with stories of plagues or disasters that struck our ancient people and they died in their thousands. Does it mean these people died because they did not believe in the Lord Almighty? We do not think so, but ignorant Christians are arguing today that they would not protect themselves against this deadly disease because they have the protection of God.
The Bible itself teaches Christians that God helps those who help themselves. In other words, whilst you have taken the steps to pray to God, you must complement this by physically taking good care of yourself. The Chronicle does not think those using religion as cover up to dodge the wearing of nose masks would muster courage to hold a poisonous snake because they believe even if they are bitten by the reptile, nothing would happen to them.
The Bible has severally warned followers of Jesus Christ not to make any attempt to tempt God Almighty, but the opposite is what we are doing today, and yet we still believe that we are following the footsteps of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is God. In the face of all these ignorant attitudes being exhibited, some of our religious leaders are also exacerbating the situation by putting avoidable pressure on the President to ease restrictions on gatherings, so they can organise church services.
The Chronicle finds this decision very regrettable, because we were expecting these leaders to have supported the state with massive prayers, instead of yearning for the people to return to church. It appears to us that pecuniary gains have taken precedence over the lives of the people these religious leaders are seeking to protect spiritually. Already, the Ghana Medical Association has issued a statement warning the President not to succumb to pressure to ease restrictions on public gatherings, since the disease is still on the ascendency.
It is hope of The Chronicle that President Akufo-Addo would listen to scientific analysis to take decision on the issue, instead of listening to those who are sweating over revenue loss and, therefore, want to do everything possible to reverse the status quo. Covid-19 is real, and we need to drum this home to avoid the disaster that has struck Europe and America.
As we noted in our previous comment on the topic, we do not have the facilities to deal with the Covid-19 on a large scale, and that is why every Ghanaian must put his or her shoulders to the wheel to help the government fight the pandemic.
The post Editorial: President Akufo-Addo must watch before he leaps appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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