The disease has caused unprecedented disruption and has made its way into the worlds of physicians, politics, and royalty.
As at press time, Ghana has recorded a total of 20,085 confirmed cases, 14,870 recoveries/discharge, and 122 deaths, while the global situation stood at 9,129,145 confirmed cases, with 473,797 deaths as 24 June 2020 according to WHO dashboard. Confirmed
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has released a list of Doctors who died of coronavirus since the outbreak started some four months ago, The Hawk News reports.
In a statement to pay tribute to the members, the Association described the loss as immense given the medical officers’ contribution and heroism to the medical practice.
Members of the Association have also been urged to on Monday, July 6, 2020, to observe a minute silence in honor of these gallant soldiers of the medical fraternity, during their clinical meetings.
According to the GMA, over 150 medical doctors and dentists have so far been infected with the virus.
They said over a hundred health workers who are on the frontline have also been infected with COVID-19. Some mortalities have also been recorded although some of the health workers have recovered.
They listed Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, Western and Ashanti regions as the most affected regions.
We are The Hawk News take look at some of the noteworthy figures who have the illness or have contracted it and recovered and those who could not survive it.
Professor Jacob Plange-Rhule
The first is a consultant physician and former Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Professor Jacob Plange-Rhule, who died on Friday, April 10, 2020 while on treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).
Until his death, Prof. Plange-Rhule was the Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and had once served as President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA).
Dr. Harry Boateng
Dr. Harry Boateng, a Specialist Pediatrician, and Medical Superintendent at the Kwadaso SDA Hospital were also mentioned.
Dr. Richard Kisser
Dr. Richard Kisser, a Consultant Surgeon with the Trust Hospital.
“The sad event occurred on Thursday 2nd of July 2020 at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) where he was receiving treatment for COV1D-19 complications. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the PR Unit of Trust Hospital said.
Dr. Emmanuel Twagirayesu
A retired Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Emmanuel Twagirayesu has also died of the deadly pandemic.
Government officials:
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday began a 14-day precautionary self-isolation after his exposure to a COVID-19 positive associate in compliance with Covid-19 protocols. Local media reports said that a statement by Minister of Information, Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, late on Saturday said: “The President, as of today, (Saturday), has tested negative for COVID-19.
“The President has elected to do so after at least one person within his close circle tested positive for COVID-19 today.”
According to the statement, the self-isolation is on the advice of doctors and the need to be cautious.
“The President will during the period be working from the Presidential Villa in the Jubilee House Accra,” the statement added
Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie
Former General Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly referred to as Sir John, has died.
It was gathered that the lawyer cum politician died on Wednesday, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital after a brief illness.
The Forestry Commission boss had tested positive for the novel Coronavirus and reportedly passed on due to complications of the disease while undergoing treatment at the Teaching Hospital.
Until his death, Sir John was the CEO of the Forestry Commission.
Anthony Kobina Kurentsi Sam
It was reported that the Mayor of Sekondi-Takoradi, Anthony Kobina Kurentsi Sam, died, a few weeks after his personal driver tested positive for Covid-19.
Confirming his death, the Presiding Member of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly Kwesi Buckman, said the Mayor passed on while receiving treatment in Accra in an undisclosed health facility.
William Kwabena Boateng
Biological brother of the Kwadaso SDA Hospital Medical Doctor who died of COVID-19 is rumored to have also died of the virus, on Sunday, June 21.
The sad incident comes barely a week after it was confirmed his younger brother, Dr. Harry Owusu Boateng, died of COVID-19.
The 48-year-old Medical Doctor died at home on Saturday, June 13, 2020, a few days after he complained of being unwell.
Hon William Boateng, who is believed to have come into contact with his late brother in the previous weeks, died at a hospital in Kumasi in the early hours of Sunday, June 21, 2020, after being sent there for medical treatment.
Until his shocking demise, Hon William Kwabena Boateng served as the Presiding Member (PM) for the Oforikrom Municipal Assembly (OFMA) in the Ashanti Region.
Sam Cudjoe
Sam Cudjoe, the Ashanti Regional NPP’s 2nd Vice Chairman, according to sources, died after a short ailment.
Although the cause of death is yet to be officially announced, many suspect Mr. Cudjoe died from COVID-19.
Kwaku Agyemang-Manu: Ghana’s health minister contracted COVID-19 “in the line of duty”, but is in a stable condition, Ghana’s President Akufo-Addo said on June 14.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister for Education has confirmed that he has been detained at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).
In a release, from the Ministry of Education, they confirmed that he is awaiting his COVID-19 test results after reporting himself to the facility when he felt unwell.
Dan Botwe
Minister for Regional Reorganization, Dan Botwe, is reportedly on admission at the University of Ghana Medical Centre.
According to the Minister who is also a Member of Parliament, “I have undertaken several tests including tests for Covid19 and awaits results.
He noted that “I will endeavor to inform the general public about my results when I am informed of it.”
Peter Mac Manu
A former National Chairman and the campaign manager for Akufo-Addo’s reelection bid for the 2020 general elections has been admitted at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.
Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah
A Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Carlos Ahenkorah, has resigned from his position following his admission of breaching the COVID-19 protocols after testing positive for the virus.
A statement issued Friday, July 3, and signed by the Director of Communications at the Office of the President, said Mr. Ahenkorah’s resignation was with immediate effect.
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