Lawmaker Kennedy Agyapong has suggested among other things, the need for the government to put on hold shuttle services, locally known as trotro to prevent further spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19).

The shuttle service, which is conducted with the use of mini vans/buses and taxis are to be affected by this directive if considered by President Akufo-Addo. 

The controversial Assin Central Member of Parliament (MP), Mr Agyapong being concerned with how shuttle services operate in the country, fears the virus infection among the citizenry may exacerbated if this action is not taken.

He, however, acknowledged this decision as a difficult thing for any government to take, considering the economic implication it would have on people, especially those whose livelihoods depend on the transportation sector but was certain more lives would protected instead.

The lawmaker’s logical reasoning may be inspired by the fact that some vehicles being used for trotro were not built or designed for the purpose of carry passengers, therefore, lacked safety measures.  

Apart from some of these vehicles being rickety, others wind glasses had been locked perpetually, preventing proper circulation of fresh air.

Mr Agyapong’s suggestion is also in respect of people to be more prone to the deadly virus in trotro and taxis, because it is impossible for social distance being championed by health professionals to maintain between passengers.

The legislature made the suggestion while making donation to the Greater Regional Hospital Ridge on Friday, March 20th. 

He further urged the need for President Akufo-Addo to consider the option of temporal lockdown or placing restrictions on movement of persons within the country in the combat Coronavirus, fearing that if such measure are not taken, Ghana may suffer Italy’s fate.

According to him, Ghana shouldn’t repeat the mistakes of countries that earlier underrated the virus and are now paying dearly for it.

In all, Mr Agyapong donated 3000 pieces of medical face mask to the Ridge Hospital and hoped to add another 7,000 pieces to support the hospital’s acute shortage.

He also promised to provide 100,000 pieces of medical facial masks and same number of gloves to Public health centres across the country, as effort to support Coronavirus fight.

Ridge hospital was selected for this gesture on the reason that although it has been designated as one of the centres to handle the Coronavirus cases, it lacked inadequate health protective materials such as masks.

Dr Emmanuel Srofenyoh, Medical Director Ridge Hospital received the masks and thanked the MP for the gesture and appealed to other civil society groups and individuals to follow suit.

The Clinical Director & Senior Specialist at Ridge Hospital, Dr Ralph Armah on his part added that the 3000 masks delivered to them would only last a week, since the staff needed about five times the number to protect themselves.

He thanked the legislature for the kind gesture and pleaded with others to do same. By Bernice Bessey