COVID19: Task force deny whipping residents in Western Region over nose masks

Leader of the COVID-19 taskforce for the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, Mr. James Obeng Junior has denied reports, suggesting the task force has resorted to whipping residents who refuse to wear nose masks. According to him, the task force was only enforcing a directive by the President which requires every Ghanaian to put on nose mask in public places.

There were reports that, the taskforce yesterday stormed the central business district of Takoradi and exposed some traders to severe beatings for flouting the mandatory wearing of nose mask directive.

Speaking to Skyy News, Mr. James Obeng Junior indicated that, the task force, indeed stormed the market circle to ensure traders comply with the nose mask directive, but they did not beat anybody who was not wearing the mask as is being alleged.

He added that, the assembly created the Jubilee Park Market to ensure the outer perimeter of the market circle is decongested. However, most of the traders have sneaked back, ignoring the social distancing protocols.

“We were there to ensure they complied with the social distancing protocols. Those without nose masks were asked to wear them. But we never whipped anybody. Those who had sneaked back to the market from the jubilee park were as well sacked. If we allow them to be at the outer perimeter, how can those at the Jubilee Park sell,” Mr. James Obeng Junior indicated.