As COVID-19, also known as Corona virus spread internationally so has fear, misinformation- fueling discrimination and stigma. With countries all around the world, grappling to minimize the spread of the virus, there is the need for effective implementation of measures to prevent an outbreak of the COVID-19. Center for Democratic Development (CDD Ghana) partnering with Resource Link Foundation and Afigya Kwabre South District have embarked on Radio engagements and information Centers within the district to sensitize the public to help minimize the spread of the virus and citizens views on the corona virus.

This is a report of radio discussions on the 30th July, 2020 in the Afigya Kwabre. A panel discussion on the topic, aired by 3 information centers in the Afigya Kwabre District.

Mr. Boakye Emmanuel; the district health promotion officer together with Mr. Dawud Suleiman had a radio discussion on the dynamics of Covid-19 related issues in the Afigya Kwabre District and how the district health directorate has responded to the ‘new norm’ in the district.

Mr. Boakye is an integral member of the district Covid-19 health team and he plays a significant role in the fight against Covid-19. He shared with us all the measures the assembly has put in place to check the spread and control of the virus in the district. He stated that the district Covid-19 health team have done mandatory testing, mass voluntary testing among households and massive contact tracing to control the spread of the virus. Sharing his plight with us, he pleaded with listeners to keep and continue adhering to all safety protocols and measures to safeguard ourselves from contracting the virus.

According to him, despite the frequent sensitization and education about the virus, some people are still of the believe that the virus is not real and don’t observe safety protocols. He cautioned market women and the general public to continue observing social distancing, wearing of nose masks, and frequently washing their hands with soap under running water and rubbing their hands with alcoholic hand sanitizers.

Mr. Boakye also called on members of society to desist from stigmatizing people who contract the virus. He emphasized that any person could contract the virus and so if someone tests positive for the virus that person shouldn’t be victimized. He stressed on the need for us to recognize them as our own people and treat them with dignity and respect. He mention that stigmatizing them could cause them emotional trauma which will affect their recovery process. Mr. Boakye commended the government for the provision of PPEs and other incentives to front line workers. Meanwhile made an appeal to the government and cooperate bodies come to their aid in providing more of these items as the keep working towards winning the fight Counsel of God information Centre located at Mowire hosted by Mr. Oti Hayford Ankapong

Mr. Dawud Suleiman however appealed to the listeners that since there hasn’t been any sign of outright disappearance of the corona virus and no cure for the virus, therefore it has become fear to people so they should cooperate with the education by “I AM AWARE “Ghana and NCCE about measures on covid 19. He again said that the government has put measures t

Mr Bonaface,; the district NCCE director talked about the need to continue wearing the nose masks and continuous observance of social gathering since the ban on public gathering has been lifted. A range of hand washing materials with veronica buckets have been mounted at various bus  stations, hygiene promotion for hand washing has intensified and soap and disinfectant have been distributed so he  advised the listeners on the importance of  frequent  hand washing with soap to avoid infections.

Mr Boniface again said an extensive work is being done by the Assembly in engaging almost all members of the district to understand and appreciate all relevant protocols or everything they need to know about Covid-19.

Mr. Boniface concluded by saying that there has been constant monitoring and supervision in all the schools,markets, churches and other places in the district to ensure that are protocols are observed.

Mr Bonaface K. Mensah, NCCE Director and Emmanuella Ansere

The last information center engagement was Hwe De3 Awurade Aye hosted by Hon Kofi Awuah and the panelists were Mr Bonaface K. Mensah, an integral member of the district Covid-19 response team and he plays a significant role in educating the community in the fight against Covid-19 , Madam Comfort Adu also Social Action Group Member(SAG) and miss Emmanuella Ansere Konadu and Mr. Dawud Suleiman from Resource Link Foundation.