Ghana records first death from coronavirus

Ghana has recorded its first death from coronavirus.

Alex Abban, deputy health minister of Ghana, confirmed this development.

He said the patient, a 61-year-old Lebanese male trader, was the 11th confirmed case in the country and a resident of Kumasi.

The patient was said to have fallen sick and reported himself to a health facility with fever and cough.

His test result came back positive for the virus and it was made known on March 19.

“The information I got from the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service is that that person [the Lebanese man] has died. He died today,” Abban said.

As of Saturday, Ghana has recorded 21 cases of COVID-19.

In a broadcast to the nation, Nana Akufo-Addo, president of Ghana, ordered the closure of the country’s borders for two-weeks effective from today.

He said the closure is to help reduce the escalation of the virus infection rate in the country.

“Anybody who comes into the country, before midnight on Sunday, will be mandatorily quarantined and tested for the virus. This closure will not apply to goods, supplies and cargo,” he said.

He also asked the people to observe a national day of fasting and prayers on Wednesday to seek the face of God in the fight against the disease.

“Whilst we continue to adhere to these measures, and ramp up our efforts to defeat this virus, I urge all of us, also, to seek the face of the Almighty. So, on Wednesday, 25th March, 2020, I appeal to all Ghanaians, Christians and Muslims, to observe a national day of fasting and prayer. Let us pray to God to protect our nation and save us from this pandemic,” he said.

There are over 800 cases of COVID-19 in Africa with about 21 deaths.