The Eastern Region Centre for National Culture (CNC) with support from the COVID-19 National Trust Fund has embarked on a nationwide campaign to educate the public on the need to curtail the spread of the virus. 

Five District and Municipal Assemblies have been selected for the campaign dubbed: Dubbed “Stop The Spread, Hy3 Wo Mask, COVID-19 is Real.” 

They are; New Juaben South Municipal Assembly, Fanteakwa North District Assembly, Asuogyaman District Assembly, Lower Manya Municipal Assembly and Suhum Municipal Assembly. 

Stakeholders in the campaign include District and Municipal Chief Executives, Chiefs, the Municipal Health Directorates, Security Personnel, Assembly members, Local Council of Churches, the Islamic communities and the general public.

The CNC together with these agencies would engage in series of drama and other  public engagements to sensitise the public to the need to observe safety protocols and take preventive measures against the disease.

Mr. Peter Marfo, the Acting Eastern Regional Director of CNC , quoting statistics from the Ghana Health service, said that most people had given up on the protocols hence, the drama to convey information on the dangers associated with abandonment of safety protocols. 

He said that following the reopening of schools, there was the need to additional educational platforms to also help inform students and the general public on the devastating effect of the disease.

“We need to do away with COVID-19 with the use of the Cultural tool(drama) at the various selected Assemblies,” he stressed.

Municipal and District Chief Executives present at the programme all highlighted the need for the public to adhere to the protocols to reduce and eventually stop the spread of Covid-19. 

“This virus is not to be taken likely for it is real and taken the lives of our friends and family. 

“We should all be reminded with the “STOP THE SPREAD,sloganand continue to wear the face masks as one of the surest ways to stop the spread,” he said.

Mr. Marfo added that periodic education on the spread of COVID-19 must be emphasised to reduce the rising number of cases in the Eastern Region and the entire country.

Participants at the event received face masks and sanitisers and applauded the National Commission on Culture (NCC) for the initiative, stressing the need for the commission not to relent on its effort in educating the public through cultural events. 

By Edem Mensah Tsotorme