At least 423 new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), pushing the country’s active cases to 6,850.
The death toll has hit 982 after eight additional fatalities were recorded across the country, an update on the GHS COVID-19 dashboard reveals.
As of 20 August 2021, Ghana’s total confirmed cases stood at 115,525. Health official have recorded 107,693 recoveries.
Thirty-four people are in a severe condition and 20 cases remain critical, the GHS says. The number of cases detected at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) is 2,575, with 2,399 recoveries.
According to the Ghana Health Service, the month of July recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases among international arrivals since the airport reopened on 1 September 2020.
Breakdown of regional cases
Greater Accra Region – 61,882
Ashanti Region – 19,804
Western Region – 6,620
Eastern Region – 5,630
Central Region – 4,216
Volta Region – 3,926
Bono East Region – 2,233
Bono Region – 2,005
Northern Region – 1,699
Upper East Region – 1,340
Ahafo Region – 1,001
Western North Region – 947
Oti Region – 717
Upper West Region – 530
North East Region – 236
Savannah Region – 164
Time to rally round the flag for quick recovery
Meanwhile the minister for information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has charged the media to be partners in Ghana’s efforts to rebound the economy from the ravages of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to him, the media in this post-crises recovery era should be partners in highlighting the opportunities and amplifying successes of government and businesses in order to complement efforts being made to revive the economy from the economic downturn.
“We are at the most critical time in recent economic history of our continent. Therefore, this is the time to rally round the flag and indeed rally round the continent-wide effort to recover. This requires common purpose from policy makers, from private sector players and from the media. It is the only way to guarantee our common success.
“On the part of government, we will continue to provide support for the industry through fair regulation, capacity enhancement programs and support to the general economy which should in turn help the industry. However, in return, the media should also help in projecting the country to the outside world,” he added.
He was giving the key note address at the Graphic Business and Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting on Tuesday August 24, 2021 under the theme: “Media and Marketing Communication post COVID: A catalyst for Africa’s Socio-Economic Resurgence.”
The Minister said the role of the media particular in these times is to eschew all forms of sensational and misleading publications that will deter investors, both foreign and local from investing in critical sectors of the economy.
Fred Dzakpata
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