Former Medical Director of the Ridge Hospital, Dr. Thomas Anaba has urged President Akufo Addo to issue an executive directive to cause the arrest of anybody who sells hand sanitizers above the normal price in the wake of the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Following the confirmation of the disease in Ghana, there’s been a run on hand sanitizers. And now, sanitizers are exceedingly hard to come by.
Where it isn’t sold out, enterprising sellers are charging outrageously inflated prices to make huge profits.
Commenting on the development in an interview with host Kwaku Owusu Adjei on Anopa Kasapa on Kasapa 102.5FM Monday, Dr. Thomas Anaba condemned the inhumane acts by some hand sanitizer sellers and called for such persons to be dealt with ruthlessly.
“The President must issue an executive directive that anybody who sells hand sanitizer above the normal price must be arrested. Any pharmacist who sells hand sanitizer above the usual price we know they should arrest him and lock him because he wants people to die. That is very inhumane, should doctors increase the charges of seeing patients in the hospital because of the virus? Doctors are not increasing prices so why should Pharmacists be increasing prices of hand sanitizers?
“When I heard it I got mad, this is the time that the government should take this decision and I know we’ll support it. Any pharmacist that increases the price of hand sanitizer should be arrested and locked. This is very inhumane because this is what can prevent people from getting the disease and you decide to increase the price and make money and live with who so that others will die. That is my appeal I’m making to the government today that no pharmacist can increase the price of hand sanitizer,” Dr. Anaba stated.
Ghana has so far confirmed six cases of the deadly Coronavirus.
President Akufo Addo on Sunday announced the shut down of all educational institutions – universities, second cycle schools and basic schools effective, March 16, 2020 until further notice.
However, BECE and WASSCE candidates will be allowed to prepare for their examination under prescribed social safety protocols.
All public gatherings, including conferences, workshops, funerals, political rallies, sporting events, such as services in churches and mosques have been suspended for the next four weeks.
Private burials are however permitted but with limited numbers not exceeding 25 people in attendance.
President Akufo Addo reiterated that travel bans announced are still in force.
