The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo (NADAA) says he met the leaders of all political parties on April 03, in Accra to discuss strategies to combat the current pandemic, COVID-19.
Great idea!
I think it is a good idea and quite should have been how national issues are debated and discussed always not just during national crisis or pandemic. Having diverse views would be beneficial, inclusive and will likely neutralize Ghana’s two party bitter partisanship and bickering which have always stifled many national agendas and progressive policies.
Frequent in Person Meetings not a Good and Safe Idea During COVID-19:
Comsidering the overwhelming popular notion that the novel coronavirus is spread through droplets from infected persons whether symptomatic or not, should not be meeting in such large numbers, in one place and such frequency we are seeing. Rather, the politicalicians should be practicing video conferencing and reducing human physical contacts to: 1. Reduce the risk of spread 2. Conserve PPE and other crucial supplies for those who need them most the global stocks are short in supply, 3. to ensure compliance from the the general public who asked to practice social distancing or shelter in place altogether in their homes.
Proper Donning and Doffing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training Required for Politicians (and perhaps the Public):
The politicians should be trained (by medical personnel) on proper donning and doffing of PPEs to optimize their effectiveness. Some of these officials are not wearing their masks properly, others keep touching all kinds of places, their attire with potentially soiled masks, gloves etc. Yet some remove their masks while speaking, some haven’t even covered their noses and/or sealed it around their noses. Improper wearing PPE of PPE defeats the purpose of wearing them. They may end up infecting themselves and/or others as they may be deceived into thinking they are protected.
It is crucial that they’re educated on how to wear them properly, take them off and in what order, and further steps before and after donning and doffing of PPE. Every good effort can save lives, so can any mistake lead to devastating outcomes.
Mr. President, I know you have many knowledgeable, experienced and wise people around you BUT in my humble opinion, it will be very important to include in your meetings and gatherings at least one medical professional with specialty in such a pandemic and/or infectious disease spread to provide an oversight and reminders about correct practices so you do not make any mistakes that could have a counter productive effect on your great efforts and hard work.
Thank you.
Yours truly,
Akosua G
Akosgojack.com
Ontario, Canada
April 04, 2020.
