GHS issues Ministerial directive for mandatory wearing of face mask

The Ghana Health Service, GHS has issued a Ministerial directive for mandatory wearing of face mask during the Covid-19 pandemic in Ghana.

A statement signed by the Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu said “pursuant to section 169 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), the Minister responsible for health by an Executive Instrument (E.I. 6) declared Covid-19 a public health emergency. Section 170 (1) of the Act provides that the Minister of Health may order an individual to take a preventive measure in respect of public health matters.”

In accordance with the Act, the Minster has directed for the use of face mask at all public places.

“The Minister of Health hereby directs the use of face masks in all public places where it may be difficult to maintain social distancing.”

“The general public is encouraged to wear mask or face covering when going out whether sick or not or attending to a sick person.”

The procedure for wearing and removing a mask include ;

1. Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer before putting on a mask
2. Ensure that your mask fully covers your mouth and nose with no gaps between your face and the mask.
3. Avoid touching the mask after you have won it.
4. Remove a mask by passing a finger through the loop of the mask behind one ear and lift off without touching the front of the mask- Never Touch the Front of your Mask.