John Dumelo has stated that the directive announced by Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey does make “sense”.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture in an interview relayed requirements and guidelines to control and avoid the spread of COVID-19 within the “December In Ghana” festivities. He announced that event organizers will require proof of full vaccination from employees and event goers before allowing entries to festival grounds. This will ensure that patrons at party venues and festival grounds remain COVID-free.
During an appearance on UTV’s United Showbiz, the Ghanaian actor, farmer and politician, John Dumelo expressed his opinion on the decision. He claims that the mandate will violate the rights of Ghanaians who do not want to get vaccinated. According to him, the move may also be difficult to authenticate the COVID-19 vaccination cards.
“No, it won’t work. That’s it. It’s not going to work. Number one, how would you know who is vaccinated or not. If I show you my card, how do you know I am vaccinated? … Were you there when I went to the hospital for the injection?” he asked Nana Ama McBrown, host of the show.
“Let’s say tomorrow, Monday, I went to the hospital, and Kwame is the nurse. Charley Kwame, and then he gives me a fake injection with a card. The card is genuine, biodata and all are printed on it. But how do you know that I have taken the injection?
“To get it straight…we are not against vaccination. We are not. But we want to talk for those who don’t believe in the vaccine. That you shouldn’t disenfranchise them from enjoying.”
He however pleaded with the government to provide arrangements for people who refuse to be vaccinated. He also stated that while he is not opposed to individuals getting vaccinated, he does not feel that they should be compelled to do so.
