(OPINION): IS THE CALL FOR A COMPLETE LOCKDOWN IN GHANA INDUCED BY GREED OR BY FEAR & PANIC?

Following the striking rate at which cases of the Covid-19 pandemic has been recorded in Ghana, I have read several arguments advanced by a school of thought that believes and calls on the government of Ghana that the best thing to do right now is to consider a complete lockdown of the country. These proponents have cited as an example, countries such as France, the UK, the USA and even some other African countries that have had to resort to a complete lockdown as their best policy option in the fight against the spread of Covid-19 outbreak in those respective countries. In fact, that’s a fair argument and we should respect that quite alright!

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However, it’s important to bring to the fore, the nature of human beings as far as the call for a complete lockdown of Ghana is concerned; and, to underscore the subsistent nature of Ghana’s socio-economic activities. The peculiar nature of the Ghanaian situation is one that has to be carefully considered and/or critically examined in order not to hastily resort to a complete lockdown of the country as a result of;

a. Extreme Greed
b. Fear & Panic

a. Extreme greed: it should be considered as extreme greed for those whose call for a complete lockdown of town is simply because they are able to stock their fridges and can afford some basic necessities of life such as food, water, electricity, etc, for at least, the next 6months or for only God knows how long until a vaccine is developed to cure this potentially extinctive virus (Covid-19). Don’t forget that this group of people may only be concerned about their own lives and the fear that they might eventually die of Covid-19 and nothing more or less. But are they to blame? Nay, that’s human nature; so in whatever course a man pursues, there is always an interest that can sometimes be anchored on parochialism. Thus, if you belong to this group of people, then the critical question which must be put to you is, what should happen to the millions of people who unlike you can’t afford a complete lockdown for even just a day or a week or two?

b. Fear & Panic: There is no denying the fact that there is fear & panic mongering in the country at the moment, giving what we know about the devastating occurrences in the epicenters of Covid-19 especially in China and Italy and now with the USA closely following that trajectory too, it’s only natural that people would call for a complete lockdown of the country, but in those countries where there has been complete lockdown or even partial lockdown, like in the UK and the USA for example, we have also heard of the measures governments of those countries have taken to cushion their economies and citizens from the shocks of this global pandemic. The USA has announced a two trillion dollar stimulus package and will be giving out a $1000 dollar to every US citizen, whereas we also know that the government of Ghana is however on its knees as we speak, at the IMF and the World Bank for Aid – only God knows how it will end with us yet! So, in the absence of any actionable plan on how the government in Ghana is to cater to citizens should it consider a complete lockdown, it is only appropriate to examine calls for a complete lockdown more carefully!

Because the situation on our hands is a dioecious situation which requires a lot of tact to balance the act between two extreme ends that ironically could ultimately lead to just one end unless a vaccine or cure for Covid-19 is found within a reasonable pace of time. Even in that regard, unfortunately, there is no slightest indication that a cure could be coming from Ghana because that is not even our focus and this further puts our destiny in dire hands and/or in more serious jeopardy. So the President must have found himself in a kind of a dilemma that he has never in his lifetime expected to experience and at the same time, knowing that his action or inactions right now may have disastrous consequences, what must he do in the midst of this pandemonium? Hmmm, suffice to say that the truest test of leadership is leading in difficult times. So let’s pray for Mr. President. May God give him the wisdom in these pestilent and perilous times to lead this country well including stopping the NIA and the EC from further deepening our predicament as a nation.

In conclusion, therefore, I believe a complete lockdown is not ideal for Ghana’s situation under the circumstances. So let’s unite as a people to focus on providing the needed education and sensitization to the good people of Ghana about this dangerous virus. Also, let’s all observe social distancing and observe the other preventive measures as prescribed by the WHO. In fact, we must all take a certain personal responsibility in the fight against this Covid-19 pandemic seriously.

PS: There are no grudges: my assumptions could be wrong, but I strongly believe that if by God’s grace, the human race should survive this extreme danger of extinction, I bet you, the backlash of this Covid-19 outbreak will be the biggest coup d’etat against many establishments in world history. Many status quos are going to be challenged in many parts of the world. Especially in Africa and more specifically in Ghana. Because as the old adage goes, “No amount of advice can change a people unless temptation”. God protect us all.

But until then, stay safe and may God stand with us!

BY: Moses Kununmah Duut Nangdibia

Former SRC President, Zenith University