Foreign Policy and Security Analyst, Adib Saani, has called on the Government during this Coronavirus outbreak, to exercise the power given by the constitution in imposing a state of emergency when the need arises.
Speaking in an interview with Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning show, he explained that even though Gahanaians may not be in favour of a lockdown, the constitution gives the president the power to impose a state of emergency to ensure the smooth operation of democracy and safety of citizens.
In his opinion, the president declaring a state of emergency thereby imposing a lockdown was one of the effective way to fight the COVID-19 disease.
“I am as a matter of principle and as a security stakeholder, calling on the government to impose a state of emergency to facilitate our response towards dealing with the COVID-19 disease”, he added.
He further appealed to Ghanaians to sacrifice their right of movement amid the coronavirus outbreak for the greater good.
“As a country we should sacrifice our rights for our safety. Even the first world countries who are advocates for human right have done so. But for us to do so effectively we must eschew political drama”, he said.
Even though, the Government of Ghana has put in place measures such as the compulsory quarantine of returnees, closure of schools, social distancing directive, among others to fight COVID-19, pressure has been mounted by organizations and individuals to put in a more strict measure such as a lockdown to prevent the spread of the disease.
By: Alberta Dorcas N D Armah
