Government launches the covid-19 app tracker and virtual concert for citizens on easter monday

The Vice President of the land, His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia with the aegis of the Minister of Health Hon. Kwaku Agyeman-Manu and Communications Minister Hon. Ursula Akuful on Easter Monday, April 13th, 2020 officially launched the COVID-19 App Tracker to enable government collate data and track all COVID-19 infected patients and high risk persons in the country with ease.

The launch was moderated by Award winning Peace FM’s “Kokroko” morning talk show host Kwame Sefa Kayi and had Government officials from Tourism, Communications and Health sectors having a word with the citizens about the features, efficiencies of the App and how it works.

The Veep however took turn to explain what prompted the creation of the COVID-19 App and how it will inure to the benefit of the citizenry in these trying times. In his virtual address, he stated that “We cannot fight something we cannot see”.

The App is originally intended for productivity assistance which will augment the state’s efforts in identifying and tracing anyone who has come into contacts with persons carrying the novel COVID-19 virus. Hence, it is necessary to have an innovation like this in place to be an avenue where patients will self-report symptoms and pertinent risk factors in order to follow-up directly for medical attention.

It answers COVID-19 related questions, subject geographical location, and above all digital assistance. System’s data is encrypted such that no personal information (Name, ID or Address) is record on the platform.

Additionally, the App would record people’s GPs location as they move. In a likelihood that one person tests positive, alerts signal will be sent to everyone who has been in contact with the said person to self-isolate without being told who the affected person is. The contact persons would then be taken through series of tests to ascertain their status as well and given the needed attention and care. This provides the state with a digital sophisticated alternative to the overwhelmed hotlines for triage and follow-up.

Through this platform, designated health facilities will have access to digital record keeping and the potential to keep unnecessary patients from going to hospitals and putting themselves as well as others at risk.

The climax of the event saw galaxy of stars such as Self-proclaimed Dancehall king Shatta Wale, Kuami Eugene, Fancy Gadam, and others entertained viewers with timeless classic hits virtually.

Finally, kudos to the Tourism, Communications and Health Ministries for this great innovation. The App is user friendly and available via portal applications (iOS; Android). It can be accessed on www.ghcovid19.com for android users and will be available in App store later this week. Lets all press our download button and install this App on our smart gadgets. Keep observing the necessary protocols in line with COVID-19 prevention. STAY HOME, SAVE LIVES.

Edem Latsu Nukafu
National Youth Authority

(Public Relations Department)