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Street jubilations, criticism on social media greet lockdown U-turn

Wild eruption of joy greeted President Akufo-Addo’s decision to remove a three-week lockdown imposed in certain parts of the country because of the coronavirus scourge.

Scores of people poured onto the streets as they heaved a sigh of relief shortly after the President’s speech on Sunday, April 20, violating the protocol of social distancing in the process.

So far 67, 549, representing 98.5% have tested negative for the contagion, with the positive cases accounting for a paltry 1.5%.

In all, 99 persons have recovered, and nine patients have died.

The release of residents of Accra, Kasoa, Tema and Kumasi to move about freely appeared to be good news to a section of the populace.

In Tabora, Official Town, and other areas of Accra, people from all walks of life responded momentarily, throwing caution to the wind even though 1,024 cases had been recorded.

Older women were seen standing along the streets trying to stretch their muscles and beaming with smiles as police officers deployed to the area at various checkpoints responded.

Several others, including young people, appeared relieved as they strolled about aimlessly with a few people jumping and dancing to welcome the decision.

For people working in the informal sector who depend on daily wages, it was a matter of survival, and they would choose to go out and hustle than staying indoors to starve for days.

However, not all Ghanaians agree with the president’s decision, a group of elites, and middle-class people, have condemned the decision to cancel the lockdown.

The reactions expressed on social media show their disappointment as they had hoped for an extension of the restrictions on movement.

For Dr Hadi Mohammed Abdullah, a neurosurgeon believes the president’s decision had no scientific basis.

For the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), the action is “a choice of political expediency over public safety”.

Others vented their frustrations.

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