COVID-19: Basic Facts on Executive Instrument 164

As part of efforts to combat the spread and flatten the curve of COVID-19 infections in the country, the President of Ghana in accordance with powers granted him under the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012) signed and gazetted a new Executive Instrument (E.I 164) on June 15, 2020.

This instrument has made it mandatory to wear face masks for the next three (3) months.  The instrument shall apply in all parts of Ghana and failure to comply will result in a prison sentence of four to 10 years or a fine of GH¢12,000 to GH¢60,000, or both.

Here are the basics of the of the Executive Instrument (E.I 164);

• It is mandatory to wear a face mask, face shield or any face covering that covers the nose and mouth completely when in public, leaving or returning to your place of abode.
• The mandatory wearing of face coverings shall not be for a period of more than three (3) months.
• The mandatory wearing of face masks is meant for the whole country.
• Members of the Ghana Police Service may conduct random checks to ensure the compliance with the law.

Failure to comply with the law will lead an individual to be liable on summary conviction a prison sentence of not less than four years and not more than 10 years or a fine of GH¢12,000 to GH¢60,000, or both.