Ghana’s COVID-19 deaths now 731

At least six more persons have died of COVID-19 taking Ghana’s death toll to 731, a Ghana Health Service (GHS) update revealed.

The country’s active cases now stand at 3,091 after 105 new coronavirus cases were confirmed at the laboratories.

As at 19 March 2021, the GHS reports that the country’s total confirmed cases increased to 89, 787 out of which 85,965 have recovered.

So far, 34 persons are in severe condition while 13 remain critical, according to GHS. Cases detected at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) are 1,298 with 1,197 recoveries.

Breakdown of regional cases:

Greater Accra Region – 49,671

Ashanti Region – 15,222

Western Region – 5,654

Eastern Region – 4,102

Central Region – 3,201

Volta Region – 2,330

Northern Region – 1,598

Bono East Region – 1,391

Bono Region – 1,297

Upper East Region – 1,294

Western North Region – 846

Ahafo Region – 694

Upper West Region – 475

Oti Region – 390

North East Region – 210

Savannah Region – 114

GHS begins inquiry into vaccines theft

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has initiated an administrative inquiry into the alleged stealing and selling of COVID-19 vaccines in the country.

In a press statement signed by Dr Patrick Kuma Aboagye, director-general of the GHS, said, “It has noticed with great concern, a publication in sections of the media alleging that three staff of the Service who work in various hospitals in the Greater Accra Region, have been arrested for stealing and selling COVID- 19 vaccines.

“The Service condemns such alleged criminal act in no uncertain terms. An administrative inquiry is being instituted and appropriate sanctions shall be applied if they are found culpable. The Service commits to cooperate with the Security agencies to unravel the circumstances leading to this illicit act,” it said.

The National Security has arrested three persons for their alleged involvement in the stealing and sale of COVID-19 vaccines belonging to the government.

A 37-year-old Disease Control Officer of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Stephen Dzisenu, is said to have stolen 36 vials of Covishield and a disease control officer of the La Bawalashie Polyclinic, Lord Pabitey, now at large, also allegedly stole 26 vials of Covishield.

Cosmos Allotey, a 42-year-old occupational health and safety officer, is said to have received the stolen Covishield from Pabitey and Dzisenu. Allotey allegedly administered the vaccines at a cost of GHC200 per jab.

Joseph Knight Gaisie, a project assistant and a former laboratory technician at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital is also being held for abetment of crime.

The three – Dzisenu, Gaisie and Allotey – have been remanded into lawful custody by an Accra Circuit Court to reappear on 1 April.

 

SOURCE: Asaase Radio