Former Deputy General Secretary for the National Democratic Congress (NDCs), Koku Anyidoho, has described calls for a total lockdown as “empty propaganda and noise”.
The NDC stalwart however stopped short of singling out anyone for criticism.
But it is on record that both the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Ghana Medical Association and other notable individuals called and are still calling for a total lockdown of the country to contain the spread of the ravaging coronavirus pandemic in the country.
The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday, March 27 announced a partial lockdown of Greater Accra, Kasoa, Tema and Greater Kumasi as part of measures to contain the spread of the pandemic.
The measures took effect on Monday, 30th March, at 1 am. Though essential service providers and personnel are exempted from the restrictions on movement, some Ghanaians have taken advantage of that to step out of their homes and mingle with others, thus defeating the intended purpose the partial lockdown.
This has led to calls for government to completely lockdown the entire country or the epicentres of the COVID-19.
Reacting to such calls on Okay FM’s Ade Akye Abia Morning Show, Koku Anyidoho reiterated that they are simply borne out of panic, empty propaganda and noise without scientific data.
“Something that he [the President] said yesterday that I was happy was that, going forward every decision that I will Take will be based on science, meaning based on data, research-driven and not empty propaganda and noise . . .
“ . . those people who are calling for full lockdown, on what statistics are they basing their call on? Total lockdown based on what data? Because people are locked down in the USA and UK and so there should be lock down in Ghana? Do we have the same circumstance in those countries they are comparing us to?” he quizzed.
To him, President Akufo-Addo’s comment on science shows that he is not making panic-driven decisions for the country in the midst of the novel coronavirus.
“ . . So, this is not the time for the President to panic and so far he has proven that he is not going to panic . . . he has shown us the way forward and added that this week is crucial . . . he is not talking out of a vaccum.”
“People want the President to copy blindly to shut the country down out of fear and panic as it has happened in other countries. I support the President 100 per cent for not panicking and going for total lockdown; it is gradual process,” he mentioned.
Listen to him in the video below
Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com
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It appears Koku Anyidoho- though a member of the NDC, seems to be running a parallel opposition thin line with the NDC but in a direct hit against his own party. This is to me something borne out of "Sour Grapes" which only he Anyidoho- can explain. To me he is a traitor who was never appreciative of whatever Mahama was trying to do for him. For his info; how will he describe those who called for the installation of testing equipment at the Airport? how will he describe those called for the closure of the Airport and the boarders- which were later closed? How will he describe those who called for lockdown initially and only to be effected partially in Accra other areas? Finally how will he describe those who were agitating on behalf of the frontline health workers to be equipped with PPEs only for the govt to quickly order them for health workers? The personal vendetta my bro Koku has taken against the NDC will not stand since he is kicking the rock with his bare foot. A word to the wise.
The virus is not as dangerous in Africa as it is in Europe and elsewhere. That's because the virus is clearly a winter virus. Otherwise, how can Iceland with a population of less than 400,000 have more cases than Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali, Sierra Leone, Benin, Liberia and Senegal - all combined? HOW? We've had our Ebola and Malaria. Covid and Influenza are theirs. So African presidents should stop panicking and think, for once. This would've been the chance for Africa to rise and produce for the world...but our lazy leaders have taken the easy option - lockdown! Because they know they can always go and beg for loans
Oh my goodness, do you understand the spread is exponential? Don't you believe that the figures thrown at the public is false because the officials think correct information will cause fear and panic. Not sure if this guy is growing taller or wiser. Don't you think that your message is ill timed, what will happen or who would be disgraced and become unpopular if actual figures are known. We would be digging our own grave if the authorities continue thrown massaged figures. Korlebu nurses are overwhemld with the number of cases brought. IF Noguchi institute have the capacity to test 800 samples per 24 hours, why is information not coming out daily but as at when it pleases someone. Not sure if this guy deserves to be a deputy sec. gen
How many of these students as of today has contracted the virus? Please stop making empty argument and argue with facts. If you can provide the number of students who had the virus then your argument is valid. Have you read or heard anywhere that even one of these students has been affected? I am not in support of bringing them back but stop playing politics with that issue because no report has confirmed any of these students had the virus.
TUC were quick to issue statements calling for lockdown. Now several individuals and organisations are working and donating to help fellow Ghanaians in this crisis, but TUC is nowhere to be found. Now we know who the empty barrels are.
SENSIBLE MAN MR AYINDOHO. WELL SAID ,NOT LIKE SOME OF THOSE SHALLOW MINDED IN YOUR PARTY.GOD BLESS OUR COMPETENT PRESIDENT AND HIS TEAM,GOD BLESS OUR HOMELAND GHANA.
Well said, Koku. GMA Executives are disappointing and I thought they had new information which others do not have. Even they are not researching and some Doctors who have been trained to safe life take brown envelope before they attend to some poor people in our society. GMA should do something about such acts
Please educate people like Sammy Gyamfi of the NDC. The NDC at the initial outbreak of the Virus in WUHAN, China openly called on the Govt to go and airlift some Ghanaian students without any basis and to score political points. Imagine if the Govt had heeded to this ill-conceived and political jaundiced prompting, what would have been our fate in this country? I am shocked that in all this crisis period, NDC is still politicking! God save Us.
Was the partial lockdown based on science. Please you only make senseeeee when you keep mute. Thanks
Oh kuku please do you have any expertise in the area you are talking about? See if this dangerous virus attack any relative of yours I m sure you will understand what de experts are saying don't play your usual propaganda with this dangerous disease because de virus knows nobody