COVID-19: Police arrest 406 persons for flouting lockdown, ban on gatherings

The Ghana Police Service has disclosed that some 406 persons have been arrested for violating the partial lockdown directive and the ban on public gatherings.

This was disclosed by ACP Lydia Donkor, Head of Legal and Prosecution, Accra Regional Police Command today, Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at a press briefing organised by the Ministry of Information.

“So far, 406 persons have been arrested with 103 in custody, 248 have been granted bail and 41 have been processed for court,” she said.

As part of efforts to curb the spread of the Coronavirus in Ghana, the government placed a ban on public gatherings and partially locked down the Greater Accra and Kumasi Metropolitan areas.

The government also formulated the Imposition and Restrictions Act to enable it to enforce the directives.

Although ACP Lydia said the directive has “largely been adhered to” she noted that there are other recalcitrant ones who try to flout the order.

ACP Lydia Donkor used the opportunity to advise the general public to comply with the lockdown and ban on public gatherings but warned that those who disobey the directive will be dealt with in court in accordance with the Imposition and Restrictions Act.

“If you are arrested, and after successful investigation, you will be prosecuted and if found guilty, you are likely to pay a fine of ranging from GH¢12,000 to GH¢60,000 or to a term of imprisonment of four (4) years to ten (10) years or both,” she added.

Below is the regional breakdown of the arrests as highlighted by ACP Lydia Donkor:

• Greater Accra Region –  161
• Ashanti Region –  70
• Volta Region – 67
• Western Region –  8
• Eastern Region –  6
• Tema Region – 31
• Bono Region –  20
• Northern Region – 9
• Central Region – 24
• North East Region –  1
• Upper East Region –  8
• Upper West Region –  2
• Western North Region –  8

Imposition of Restrictions Act

The Imposition of Restrictions Act provides powers to the government to impose restrictions on persons in the event of a disaster, emergency or similar circumstance, to ensure public safety and protection.

It also allows for the imposition of restrictions on the freedom of entry into Ghana or movement in Ghana.

Government extends Coronavirus-induced partial lockdown

Government over the weekend extended the lockdown imposed on some parts of the country by one more week.

The extension took effect from Monday, April 13, 2020, and subject to review.

“The decision has been taken through the issuance of another executive instrument to extend the restriction of movements in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area and Kasoa and the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area and its contiguous districts by one more week beginning 1 am on Monday the 13th of April, subject to review,” the President said.

Article By: Ernest Arhinful

Source: https://citinewsroom.com