How Ghana and other African countries are enforcing ban on large gatherings
The steady spread of COVID-19 cases in Africa has made several countries on the continent to place a ban on large gatherings of people. South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana and several others that have confirmed cases placed the ban to curb the spread of the virus.
Some citizens and religious organisations, however, remain defiant to the ban. This has left government with no other option than to embark on enforcement to ensure compliance.
Here is how African countries are enforcing the ban:
Ghana:
In the West African country with 23 confirmed cases, security operatives are clamping down on defiant citizens. A funeral service in Nanumba north municipality was stopped over the weekend. A pastor who was arrested in the Ashanti region last Wednesday but later released for defying the ban on large gathering was rearrested on Sunday for the same offence. He was arraigned in court on Monday.
Uganda:
A day after Uganda confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on Saturday March 21, five pastors and priests from different parts of the country were arrested on Sunday for defying the 32-day ban on large gatherings. Local media report that they were arrested while holding Sunday mass/service. The country now has nine cases in less than three days
South Africa:
A government gazette notice issued on March 18 has authorised security agencies to arrest and detain those who do not adhere to the regulations on large gatherings. This includes the host and anyone who attends a gathering of 100 persons or more. South Africa presently has over 400 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Kenya:
In Kenya where COVID-19 confirmed cases rose to 15 on Sunday, the government has ordered policemen to conduct regular patrol to ensure strict compliance with restriction orders. Gatherings in the country have been restricted to a maximum of 15 people.
