He was my reliable source of support in the darkest, most trying times’ – Akufo-Addo praises Bawumia

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in a televised address to the nation on Sunday, May 28, 2023, expressed his gratitude towards his deputy, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The President acknowledged the instrumental role played by officials of his government in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic but singled out the Vice President for his unwavering support during challenging moments.

“I am indebted to the Ministers of State, officials of the Presidency, led by the Chief of Staff, the Parliament and the Judiciary, and all the members of the brilliant COVID-19 Taskforce. I must make special mention of the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who was my reliable source of support in the darkest and most trying moments,” President Akufo-Addo stated.

President Akufo-Addo also expressed appreciation to various individuals, groups, government institutions, organizations, and organized labour for their contributions to Ghana’s battle against the pandemic.

During the address, the President officially declared the COVID-19 pandemic as over in Ghana. He shared the following statistics: “In general, since the first case was confirmed in our country on March 12, 2020, there have been one hundred and seventy-one thousand, seven hundred and fifty-eight (171,758) positive cases from two million, five hundred and thirty-eight thousand, one hundred and ninety-eight (2,538,198) tests.”

President Akufo-Addo also mentioned the progress of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, with twenty-five million, one hundred and seventy thousand, three hundred and eighty-two (25,170,382) vaccine doses administered. He added that ten million, five hundred and thirty-six thousand, four hundred and twenty (10,536,420) individuals have been fully vaccinated, representing 52.7% of the twenty million (20 million) people targeted. Additionally, four million, five hundred and ninety-nine thousand, eight hundred and eighty-three (4,599,883) individuals have received booster doses.

Based on these facts, the COVID-19 Taskforce chaired by President Akufo-Addo met on May 17 and made far-reaching decisions regarding the management of the pandemic. The President announced that all outstanding COVID-induced restrictions at airports and entry points have been lifted, returning to the pre-COVID situation in terms of health entry requirements.

President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the recently secured $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) economy support facility, which he believes will aid in the restoration of Ghana’s economy from the impact of the pandemic.

President Akufo-Addo was however quick to mention that the IMF money will not spell immediate end to the nation’s economic woes.