WHO hasn’t recommended evacuation of Ghanaian students yet – Health Ministry

Government says evacuation of Ghanaians in China following the outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus is not advisable.

According to the Ministry of Health, consultations and engagements with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other regional bodies do not encourage the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from China.

This follows a three-day ultimatum issued to the government by the Minority in Parliament to evacuate the students to a less prone area in China or back to Ghana.

But WHO also noted that these measures can be implemented without unnecessary restrictions on international travel.

In a statement, the Ministry said the government is liaising with the embassy in China to ensure that all citizens continue to remain safe as no Ghanaian student has been reported to have contracted the virus.

The Ministry also said it is reviewing the situation by the hour and will when necessary, tow the appropriate line of action, including evacuation.

Ghanaian students in Wuhan have been calling on the government to evacuate them over the novel coronavirus fears.

But the government insists it will take its time on the matter and weigh its options.

A Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, also complained about the lack of action from the state on the calls.

The Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Anthony Nsiah Asare, however, stressed that the government will not bow to any pressure.

Source: Fiilafmonline/CitiNews