The Acting Municipal Information Officer of the Ho Municipal Assembly, Richmond Abake, in a statement has said the assembly would fine residents who do not adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols.

A spot fine of Ghc20.00 would be imposed on persons found without nose masks in accordance with the current Fee Fixing schedule of Assembly Bye Laws

This, is as a result of non- adherence to the use of nose masks in public.

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In a statement signed by Richmond Abake, a task force would be deployed to commence work from June 9, 2020 to ensure compliance with the wearing of nose masks within the municipality.

The statement said, task force comprising officers of the Assembly and Security Services would apply appropriate sanctions on offenders.

“The general public is thereby informed that it’s an offence to move in town without a mask and would attract a fine of not less than Ghc20.00 aa contained in the fee fixing schedule of the Ho Municipal Assembly bye laws”, the statement added.

Under the ‘Miscellaneous Offences’ provision of the Fee fixing Schedule, “Refusal to adhere to Environmental, Government and Health Regulations”, attracts a fine.

Richmond Abake however cautioned the public to abide by the protocols and safety measures against the spread of the virus to avoid being sanctioned.

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Background

The Health Minister, Agyeman Manu announced a compulsory use of nose masks in public as a means of preventing the spread of the pandemic in pursuant to section 169 of the Public Health Act 2012 (Act 851) on April 25, 2020.

The provision grants the sector minister the power to order an individual to order an individual to take a preventive measure in respect of a public health concern by an Executive Instrument.

Subsequently, the the Volta Regional Minister announced a ‘No Mask, No Entry’ policy at the premises of the Regional Coordinating Council in Ho, directed to all Municipal and District Assemblies in the region to pass a bye law for the effective use of nose masks.

By Agnes Melissa Yovo | Volta Region