The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called on the government not hesitate to close down any religious facility that goes contrary to the directives to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The institution has also urged the leadership of religious bodies in the country to ensure that all COVID-19 protocols are strictly observed during their activities.
“The State should not hesitate to close down any religious facility or organisation that breaches the laws of the land with regards to COVID-19,” it said.
This was contained in a statement issued yesterday in response to the condemned ‘Gathering of the Saints’ of the Christ Embassy church last Friday in Accra.
Pictures and videos from the church service held at the Fantasy Dome showed the conglomeration of thousands in an enclosed area, unable to observe social distancing.
“The GMA strongly condemns this behavior by the leadership, organisers and members of the Christ Embassy Church, Ghana. Their unlawful act will set a bad example for others to follow if it goes unpunished. A swift prosecution is needed to serve as a deterrent to all,” the group’s statement added.
They want the government to, as a matter of urgency, prosecute all persons involved in the event, to serve as deterrent.
Social media users have criticised the church for non-adherence to safety protocols expressing concerns about a possible third wave of the virus, amidst the country’s difficulties in acquiring vaccines for the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination exercise.
Others, including the Christian Council of Ghana, the health authorities, civil society organisations and some Members of Parliament have all expressed outrage over the development.
The Ghana Police Service, in a statement, said they were investigating the event which was organised “at the blind side of the police.”
“Police have since Sunday morning locked up the Fantasy Dome and have started questioning leaders of the Church and Management of the Fantasy Dome about the event.”
The police in the statement announced that “any person found culpable will be arrested and duly prosecuted.”
Trending videos of the alleged gathering, dubbed “Pneumatic Night” showed a mostly unmasked crowd, screaming, chanting and dancing to the “evangelism” of their unmasked preachers.
Police condemned the action saying it puts “the entire country at risk of spreading COVID-19.
“The Police did not provide security for the said event. In fact, the organisers did not give notice of the event to any Police Officer or Station. The event, advertised as a Church Service which ordinarily did not require notice under the Public Order Act, was organised at the blind side of the Police.”
The post Close down churches that flout covid-19 protocols –GMA appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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