The extension of the ban forms part of the government's measures to contain the virus in the country.

In a televised address on Sunday evening, May 10, 2020, President Akufo-Addo said all public events, including religious activities, festivals, schools, weddings, funerals and parties remain closed.

He said the country's borders also remain closed, urging everyone to cooperate with government by strictly adhering to the COVID-19 protocols such as exercising social distancing, regular hand washing with soap under running water and the use of alcohol based sanitizers so that the country could overcome the virus.

He said with a collective effort, Ghana will be able to win the COVID-19 fight as the country had won the fight against colonialism, imperialism, slavery and dictatorship.

Ban

The ban on public gatherings was first imposed on March 15 by the President and was due to expire on April 27. At the time, Ghana had recorded six cases of COVID-19.

The President however on April 26, this year, further extended the ban on social gathering for another two weeks.

The ban affects all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, church activities.