In the wake of the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) which sneaked on the world, most Governments around the world took measures to combat its spread including the closure of borders, banning public gatherings, and closing schools nationwide, which impacted over 1.2 billion learners globally.
School closures and cessation of public and social gatherings in the context of COVID-19 were necessary measures to slow the spread of the disease and mitigate the effects on health systems. In Ghana, President Nana Akufo-Addo on 15th March 2020 ordered the closure of all educational institutions in the country like most other countries. According to UNESCO, school closures affected some 9.2 million basic school students (kindergarten, primary and junior high schools) and 0.5 million tertiary education students.
The winds of the pandemic stunned and sent major economies of countries and those of cities, communities, and homes tumbling. Indeed, the effects went beyond and continue to transcend the walls of our schools, and even affect the organisation of institutions and impact on the lives of large numbers of people around the world.
The Effects
The disruption of people’s lives through the cessation of some social activities has disturbed the spaces of education, social engagement, and the entire ecosystem of the economy. The sweeping tide of the pandemic has also interrupted regular civic activities and engagements of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE). For instance, normal civic education to Ghanaians on fora such as the Civic Education Clubs in schools dotted around the country, as well as the Annual Constitution Week activities (Engagement with Security Service and Annual Citizenship Week) from May to June has been curtailed. Further community engagements, focus group discussions have been limited to comply with the restrictions on numbers for social gatherings.
The social spaces and platforms provided by conferences, workshops, and social events that the NCCE utilizes to engage and promote public education has also been curtailed by the imposition of the ban on the social gathering.
Apparently, the Commission’s annual flagship programmes where the Commission engages the public on the constitution, activities of Civic Education Clubs in the schools, as well as its community sensitisation programmes have equally been greatly affected.
The dangers of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news sparked by the COVID-19 crisis and being proliferated on online portals which threaten to water down efforts at empowering citizens with the right information.
The Commission’s efforts
In spite of the restriction caused by the ban on social gathering to mitigate the spread of the disease, the Commission resourcefully reached Ghanaians with timely information on the safety protocols, by utilizing the multimedia spaces in the country to sensitise the public on the novel COVID-19.
Moreover, to assuage the fears and anxiety of the Ghanaians, the Commission like other stakeholders in the fight, shared practical information on ways to observe the measures to improve hygiene and sanitation, by exploring traditional media channels- announcements, dawn-to-dusk broadcasts media engagements through studio appearances, phone-in interviews. Virtual platforms including the Commission’s websites: http://www.nccegh.org/ and YouTube channels were deployed to engage citizens, as well as social media platforms comprising Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter were also employed by the Commission to broadcast educational materials to the citizens.
Likewise, the Commission has organised a series of Virtual Accountability, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ARAP) National Dialogues, on the theme: ‘Good Environmental Governance and the Coronavirus Pandemic’ with support from the European Union. The Dialogue discussed ways on managing plastic and medical waste which has increased during these COVID-19 times
Besides these efforts, the dedicated staff of the Commission, are also on the field sensitising the public on the procedures of the ongoing Voter Registration exercise, and urging them to exercise their civic rights peacefully while observing the COVID-19 safety protocols.
Easing of Restrictions
After Ghana recorded its first COVID-19 cases on March 12, the cases have more than quadrupled in the last couple of months despite efforts by stakeholders to contain the spread. Notwithstanding the high cases, the low death rate recorded so far and the recovery rate is encouraging. This does not at all suggest that we become complacent as a country. Indeed, we must be even more vigilant as the surge in cases puts a strain on our health system. In truth, the country can win the fight against the virus if it increases efforts to manage the cases with a corresponding cooperation from the citizenry to adhere to the safety measures. By taking the risk to ease the restriction, the President has subtly challenged the NCCE to intensify public education to sensitise Ghanaians to take ownership of the fight against the spread, be responsible in observing the protocols and reduce the spread of the disease.
The Commission which was already carrying out education on the safety protocols on virtual platforms is not relenting in its efforts to sensitise Ghanaians at the individual, family, and the community levels and is poised to intensify the sharing of targeted information through specific media outlets.
Wearing Facemasks
With studies confirming that when two people wear facemask the viral particles can travel about 5 feet away from each individual, Ghanaians are encouraged to mask-up when going out.
The NCCE reminds the citizenry that failure to comply with the provisions of the Executive Instrument (E.I. 164 (N.10) backing the mandatory wearing of facemasks in public spaces would attract sanctions specified under section 6 of the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012).
The citizenry is reminded that personnel of the Ghana Police will be conducting random checks to ensure enforcement and compliance with law.
Conclusion
While intensifying public education on the COVID-19 safety protocols, the NCCE is also encouraging the public to support the frontline staff and those who have recovered or are recovering from the disease, instead of stigmatising them. Another area the Commission is focusing on is on preparing the minds of the general public to live with the new normal.
Although we still count the huge cost of COVID-19 on our lives and businesses, we all need to support efforts by following the measures outlined by the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health to contain the spread of the disease as well as join efforts to reduce the stigma.
Despite the challenges of misinformation and fake news posed to the efforts to contain the spread, it is in our greatest interest to remain calm and verify the information we may receive from suspicious sources. Indeed, we will survive this pandemic if we reduce the panic and follow the pragmatic advice by the experts on the disease. It is of utmost importance to be safe and keep others safe.
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