Millicent Sumbo, 4R NSP Project, SEND GHANA

By: Millicent Sumbo, 4R NSP Project, SEND GHANA (Aril 2020)

Communities with different characteristics in the Municipal ranging from the Municipal capital (Salaga), the typical farming communities (Lamsah, Bumkpa, and Kikilin) and communities with big markets and economic activities such as Kafaba were visited to assess citizens’ compliance with covid -19 preventive measures.

The following were observed:

• Communities are well informed about the COVID-19. What is however challenging is the inconsistencies in the information shared through various mediums such as Whatsapp messages and phone calls from natives. The inconsistency relates to the number of persons infected with the disease, the mode of transmission and the symptoms. In Salaga, a client with pneumonia reported to the health facility and residents were alarmed as they suspected it was the virus.

• The arrival of kayayei from Accra and Kumasi after the partial lockdown of the two cities also raised anxieties among communities and families. In order to restore some calm and confidence among the population, the district ordered for the screening of returnees before they are allowed entry into their communities.

• Congregational prayers were still on-going in Salaga township until Friday 27^th March 2020, when an announcement was made after prayers that congregational prayers is no longer allowed. Churches on the other hand had seized all congregational prayers immediately after the directive of the president of the republic.

• The youth in Salaga township are also seen playing football games every evening after the directive by the president on social distancing. You will also find large groups of people sitting together in communities in the evenings after work without observing the social distancing.

• Though businesses for now are not badly affected, residences have the feeling that it will be affected in the near future. This is because most of the people buy their wares and products from Kumasi and Accra which are currently on a partial lockdown.

• Though it is observed that some individuals and sections of the communities are just refusing to follow the directive, majority of the citizens are observing precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Some shops have also provided veronica buckets for hand washing.

• There is also a ban on all forms of funerals in the Municipality.

• Sanitizers are in short supply and expensive in Salaga town. What used to be sold at 3 Ghana Cedis is being sold at 10 Ghana Cedis.

• Farming activities are not affected as people continue with their normal day to day farming.