March 18, 2020 – Daily Graphic Online

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Ms Gloria Afua Akuffo, has laid the Imposition of Restrictions Bill, 2020 before Parliament in relation to the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Bill is intended to provide a legislative framework in consonance with the Constitution for the imposition of restriction, as a quick and effective means of intervention to address emergencies.

It was laid together with a copy of the Executive Approval letter dated March 18, 2020, to prove that the President had granted an Executive approval for the Bill to be laid before the House under a certificate of urgency.

The purpose of the Bill is to provide for powers to impose restrictions on persons in the event of disaster, emergency or similar circumstance to ensure public safety and protection.

After the laying of the Bill, the Second Deputy Speaker, Mr Alban Bagbin, referred the Bill to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.