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The heads of Christian ecumenical agencies in Ghana have expressed their readiness to resume activities, while developing a proposal for the government to clearly describe the ways in which they can safely carry out their programs without endangering the lives of congregations.
The proposal is a follow-up to a meeting between President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and leaders of the Christian faith at the Jubilee House on April 21, 2020.
The proposal, a copy of which was seen by the Daily Graphic, advocates strict adherence to all prescribed precautionary labels against coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including the provision of separate rest areas for the elderly.
It must be jointly presented by the President of the Ghana Christian Council (GCC), the Most Reverend Dr. Paul Boafo; the President of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Council of Ghana (GPCC), Rev. Prof. Yaw Frimpong-Manso; the President of the Ghana Conference of Catholic Bishops (GCBC), the Most Reverend Phillip Naameh, and the President of the National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches (NACCC), Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.
Proposal
The proposal identifies some risk areas for the spread of the virus and offers solutions to mitigate them.
Areas include entry points to churches, such as doors and handles, rails and pillars, and seating arrangements in churches.
Churches have expressed their commitment in proposing to ensure that services such as the offertory, communion, and offerings and tithes are performed in accordance with security protocols.
In addition, they have volunteered to form COVID-19 response teams in their respective churches, in addition to intensifying pandemic education by involving members and people within their surroundings.
Reaction
However, opinions on the possible resumption of religious activities are divided.
Responding to a question about the issue on social media platforms, some respondents said they would only attend church services if logistics were needed to observe protocols to ensure their safety.
“If the markets are open for business, why can’t we go to church? I will go if the ban is lifted, but the church must provide for adherence to protocols, such as handwashing at strategic points within the facility. from the church, ensuring that people obey physical detachment and, more importantly, that they wear their nasal masks. ” Mrs. Yaa Benewaa Ofori, Presbyterian, said.
Kofi Ansah Mensah, a Methodist, said he was ready to attend church if the ban were lifted today because before the ban, his church had discussed the possibility of holding services with smaller congregants.
Eno Bruwaa Agyeman, an usher at a charismatic church, also said that she and her colleagues eagerly awaited the lifting of the ban, saying, “I don’t think there is anything to fear if we all follow security protocols.” After all, since restrictions on movement have been lifted, we are going to work and to the markets. ”
Mrs. Yaa Boahemaa Boateng of the Pentecost Church said she was not quite sure that she wanted to go to church immediately if the ban was lifted, for the reason that she felt uncomfortable wearing the nasal mask for more than one hour.
“So I will stay away and only go when I don’t need to wear the mask. After all, these past six weeks have shown that the church is in our hearts and not in the building, “he said.
A young couple, Mr. and Mrs. Oteng-Brobbey, expressed concern about how safe the service would be for children, adding: “If there is certainty that it will be safe for our children to go to Children’s Sunday School or to be with us in the main auditorium, fine; if not, we don’t think we will go to church anytime soon. “
Muslims
Some Muslims also indicated that they were prepared to go to the mosque if the ban was lifted, as steps would be taken to ensure the safety of the faithful.
“At this point, we are all aware of the risks and security protocols. I will be in the mosque to worship once I am sure of the security protocols in force, in particular the observation of physical distancing.
“We are not in normal times and therefore we must understand that we will have to pray without touching each other, as is usually done,” said Zakaria Ali.
“With respect to handwashing, we do it through observance of ablution before each prayer time. For now, some of us have included using soap, rather than just water. What will be challenging is physical distance: Since we have specific times to pray, space in the mosque does not allow adequate physical distance. Perhaps many would choose to be outside to pray, ”said Abdul Malik Aziz.
Background
On March 15, President Akufo-Addo banned all public, social and religious gatherings as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease.
When he extended the ban, the president said there was a unanimous decision with the leaders of major interest groups that it was early to lift it.
However, in preparation for the eventual lifting of the ban, leaders of Christian ecumenical bodies have put forward the proposal.
Source: Daily Chart
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