GHANA: Bishops Recommend Live Streaming of Mass in Response to Covid-19

ACCRA, MARCH 17, 2020 (CISA)-In the wake of calls for safety measures at public gatherings by President Nana Akufo-Addo in response to coronavirus pandemic, the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has urged priest to consider live streaming of Mass.

According to the bishops this is to enable faithful receive spiritual communion as Mass stays suspended for the next four weeks across the country.

“We exhort all Catholics and people of faith to intensify individual and family prayers and encourage all to read the daily Mass readings and reflections provided on several social media platforms,” reads a statement dated March 16 and signed by Archbishop Philip Tamale, President of Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

All Catholic schools have also been closed until further notice as directed by the government.

Funerals and weddings have also been suspended. Burials may however be conducted limiting those in attendance to 25.

The bishops directed faithful to observe the required distance of two meters and to pray in silence in Churches and adoration chapels which will be open for private prayers by parishioners.

“We urge all Ghanaians to keep observing the basic precautionary measures that will help minimise the spread of the virus as well as protect oneself from being infected with Covid-19,” they said.

Ghana has confirmed six positive cases prompting the government to set aside 100 million to enhance the country’s preparedness and response plan.  President Akufo-Addo on March 15 issued directives aimed at containing the spread of Coronavirus.

He appealed to civil society organisations, schools, universities, faith based organisations and places which harbour large gatherings to enact measures towards basic prevention of the virus.