On Thursday, 16th April 2020, the Hon. Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa led a team whose other members were the Chairman of Volta Caucus in Parliament   and Hon. Member of Parliament for Ho West, Mr. Emmanuel k. Bedzrah; the Regional Commander of Police, DCOP Edward Oduro Kwarteng; the Commanding Officer of 66 Artillery Regiment, Lt. Col. Benard. B. Pantoah; the Regional Commander of Ghana Immigration Service, DCOI Peter Nantuo; and the Regional Security Liaison Officer, Mr. Apea Fenteng to Ketu South Municipalitiy as part of efforts to address issues relating to the fight against the spread of the Coronavirus in the Region, and the Municipality.

The team first interacted with the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) of the Ketu South Municipal Assembly at the Municipal Assembly Hall where the Municipal Chief Executive and Chairman of MUSEC, Mr. Elliot Edem Agbenorwu gave a briefing on the situation in the Municipalitiy; actions and steps being taken; as well as the efforts being made.

Addressing the Council, the Hon. Volta Regional Minister commended members for their commitment and efforts while he entreated them to continue to be proactive considering the nature of the Municipalitiy.

He indicated that the situation in Aflao needed to be handled with extra care in order to get the cooperation of the youth who seemed not to appreciate the time in which “we are”.

He therefore emphasised the need to collaborate with all political parties to ensure the success of all directives, protocols, actions and interventions.

He further indicated that he understood the effect of the temporal closing of the border on the people of the area. In that regard, he would not hesitate in recommending to government the provision of some relief packages to vulnerable people in the area.

Dr. Letsa admitted that it was heartwarming to have the Constituency Chairmen of the Ruling New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Samuel Wisdom Haligah and Mr. Bright  Kwaku Kumordzi respectively  indicating their willingness to  collaborate to prevent further spread of the virus.

It was equally heartwarming to have Mr. Bedzrah call for unity and collaboration among all political actors towards containing the spread of the virus, and how related issues are handled.

After the meeting, members of the team visited Victory Fm and Holy Fm where I reiterated the need for all to adhere to the directives and protocols issued to prevent coming into contact with the virus and its spread. I called on the youth especially to cooperate with the KSMA and other stakeholders in these challenging times.

We then visited the Security Agencies at the border where I expressed my appreciation to them and encouraged them to continue to be professional but firm in handling the situation we are facing as a people. I entreated them to enforce the directive of the President, the Travel Advisory and also remember to take very good care of themselves at all times.

We ended the tour at the Municipal Hospital. I had the opportunity to thank them for the hard work and sacrifice. I assured management of my preparedness and availability at all times to engage with them for the purpose of dealing with this global pandemic full on in the municipality.

I am grateful to Mr. Kobla  Mensah Wisdom Woyome, the Hon. Member of Parliament for South Tongu;  Ms. Dzifa Gomashie, the Ketu South  Parliamentary Candidate of the NDC,   and  Mr. David Tieno Quarshie, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the same Constituency for being part of the various engagements and interactions.

We need to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the region as it does not know political colours or inclination.

Foster Huno,

Public Relations Unit.