Minister of Health Hon. Akandoh has urged Ghanaians to avoid handshakes and strictly observe hand hygiene as part of precautionary measures against disease outbreaks.

Speaking at a public meeting, the Minister said the programme was prepared without the presence of an international advisor, stressing that “prevention is always better than cure.”

He noted that over the past two weeks, public obligations have been issued and various committees have been reporting on compliance.

Following inspections at the port and protocols for arriving travellers, Akandoh said he was impressed with what he observed, though he directed that areas needing improvement be addressed.

He appealed to the public to temporarily avoid handshaking, a common cultural practice, and instead practice regular hand hygiene.

He said organizers of mass gatherings must provide hand-washing stations and sanitizers, and that people should wash hands with soap and running water.

“There is no need for panic.

Nobody should panic.

We have not detected any case,” he said, while urging strict adherence to the precautionary measures.

The Minister emphasized that no one is far from disease and called on all Ghanaians and public figures to cooperate in keeping the country safe.