The Ghana Chamber of Technology, which comprises technology-related companies operating at the country, has asked government to develop and implement a comprehensive digital response strategy to manage the impact of COVID-19 on the continuity of business and government operations.
There’s a ban for the next four weeks on all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, religious activities, schools and other related events as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country.
Ghana has already recorded 6 cases of the disease which has killed over 6,000 people out of nearly 170,000 cases globally. All six of Ghana’s cases have been described as imported since the individuals in question had traveled to either Europe or the USA over the past two weeks.
“The Ghana Chamber of Technology strongly advises people to explore the use of Digital platforms to access government services such as passport applications where possible, payment Apps and Online Banking Platforms offered by fintechs and banks for their financial transactions, as well as ecommerce platforms for the purchasing of their consumables and other needed products.”
The other recommendations of the Chamber include but not limited to, the need for businesses to work with technology experts to develop and implement business continuity and digital response plans to ensure customers have unhindered access to critical services, the offer of flexible remote working capabilities to the staff of businesses to enable them to work outside the offices, as well as the provision by government of some business stimulus or incentives such as tax credits and funding support to enable businesses to implement business continuity plans among others.
BoG directs banks; other financial institutions to take steps to prevent spread of COVID-19
The Bank of Ghana has already directed all financial institutions operating in the country to take adequate steps to help curtail the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.
The Central Bank in a statement, asked all the institutions to ensure that all Banking Halls, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Counting Machines and other relevant equipment are sanitized on a regular basis.
In addition, financial institutions are to make sure their staff and customers comply with the social distancing practice, as well as ensure that critical and front line staff are provided with protective equipment and gears such as gloves, face masks among others.
Ghanaian banks announce safety measures to combat COVID-19
Already, some banks in the country are deploying safety measures to check against the spread of the novel Coronavirus. Messages sent out to customers by the banks urged their clients to remain calm as they collaborate with relevant health authorities to ensure their safety.
With currency notes found to be one of the conduits for the spread of the COVID-19, Stanbic Bank in a message advised its customers to ensure they have less contact with banknotes while admonishing the use of digital channels.
According to Ecobank, “It is collaborating with key health agencies on COVID-19 to ensure your safety while you do business with us”.
The National Investment Bank (NIB) also told its clients like many other companies that it is taking the necessary steps to ensure their safety.
