The announcement of the extension of the free provision of water and electricity for lifeline customers for three more months by President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is one of the leading stories in the Ghanaian press on Monday.
The Graphic reports that President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced the extension of the free provision of water and electricity for lifeline customers by three more months.
According to him, the extension has become necessary to reduce the continued ravaging impact the Covid 19 pandemic has brought on Ghanaians.
He made the announcement in his 21st COVID-19 update to the nation on Sunday, January 3, 2021.
He said lifeline electricity consumers and households whose water usage do not exceed five cubic metres per month will not pay for the utilities in January, February, and March 2021.
“You will recall that, in our quest to help shield you from the effects of the virus, Government took the decision to provide relief to Ghanaians, which included the absorption of electricity and water bills.
“This relief package ended in December. However, with the continuing difficulties occasioned by the pandemic, I want to state that the Government intends to continue to support the most vulnerable in our society,” he said.
The newspaper says that 6000 security personnel will provide security protection at the inauguration of President-elect Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, his Vice President and Members of the eighth Parliament on Thursday, January 7, 2021, the Ghana Police Service has disclosed.
The Police in a statement said the security personnel drawn from the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces and allied security agencies will provide security to ensure the protection of lives and properties and general maintenance of law and order for the ceremonies.
“The Police Administration has put in place security measures for the inauguration of the President-Elect of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; Vice President-Elect, His Excellency Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; Speakers and Members of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic on 7th January 2021 at Accra.
“Manpower Strength. Six thousand (6000) security personnel drawn from the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces and allied agencies will provide security to ensure protection of lives and properties and general maintenance of law and order for the inaugural ceremonies. This will be augmented by technology to ensure maximum security,” the statement said.
According to the statement, all VVIPs, who will be present at the ceremony would be provided “close protection as appropriate” as part of a “conducive security environment” at the inauguration.
The statement advised the public to stay away from the immediate vicinity of the following locations in Accra on January 6-7, 2021: the entire State House Complex, Accra International Conference Centre; Accra Sports Stadium and the Black Star Square.
“These places would be secured and patrolled by security personnel. Crash barriers would also be mounted at certain areas to cordon off and control movements to these venues, with security personnel directing movement. Only persons bearing invitation cards or accreditation would be allowed entry into the specified venues on 6th or 7th January, 2021. Meanwhile, there would be overt and covert operations in the communities surrounding the State House Complex,” the statement added.
The Graphic also reports that Basic schools in Ghana will reopen on Friday, January 15, 2021.
President Akufo-Addo, who announced it during his 21st Covid 19 update on Sunday, January 3, 2021, said: “Our children must go to school…. we are satisfied that in the current circumstances the reopening of our schools is safe. So from 15th January, our children in Kindergarten, primary and Junior High in both private and public schools will be back in school.”
In addition, President Akufo-Addo said first-year Senior High School students will start classes from March 10, 2021, while their seniors in SHS 2 and SHS 3 will return to school from January 18, 2021.
He added that all tertiary institutions will reopen from January 9, 2021.
President Akufo-Addo had on March 15, 2020, announced the closure of all schools in the country beginning March 16, 2020, when the first two cases of Covid 19 cases were confirmed in Ghana.
Second-year students in junior and senior high schools were, however, allowed back in school on October 5, 2020, to complete the 2019/20 academic year.
GIK/APA