COVID-19: Ghana’s death toll hits 261 as active cases drop to 1,723

- Ghana's COVID-19 death toll is now 261, according to the Ghana Health Service

- The total case count of the highly infectious disease now stands at 43,260 in the country

- Meanwhile, 41,276 people have either recovered or been discharged

- Our manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

Five more COVID-19 related deaths have been recorded in Ghana, taking the death toll to 261.

In a Thursday(August 20, 2020) evening update, the Ghana Health Service said 166 new cases have been confirmed from the labs, increasing the overall case count to 43, 260.

The active cases have recorded a steady drop from 1,875 to 1, 723 after some 41,276 recoveries were confirmed.

READ ALSO: NPP rejects Mahama's infrastructure debate invitation

In related news, Ghana’s Education Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has set up a 10-member committee to deliberate and advise government accordingly on when schools should re-open in the country in this COVID-19 era.

The committee members comprise representatives from the Ghana Education Service (GES), United Nation International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), private school sector, parents and the Ministry of Education.

A statement from the Education Minister stated that Prof Dominic Fobih, a former Minister of Education is the chairman of the committee.

The sector minister during the inauguration of the committee urged the members to bring their expertise and experience to bear to ensure stakeholder consultations on the way forward on all relevant issues.

The committee is expected to present its report to the sector Minister on Monday, 21 September 2020 for consideration and onward approval by the President.

READ ALSO: Ghanaians descend on Akufo-Addo for suggesting his government is constructing real roads

President Nana Akufo-Addo on Sunday, August 16, during his 15th COVID-19 address, noted that government is considering reopening of schools.

Schools have been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in March 2020.

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that 13 persons suspected to have engaged in examination malpractices during the 2019 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates have been released.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on Thursday, August 20, 2020, published the names and index numbers of the 13 persons, adding they must turn themselves in at the Accra Office of the WAEC between August 26-28, 2020, to clear their names.

Ghanaians react on the closure of Nigerian retail businesses in Ghana | #Yencomgh

Got a story you think we should know about? Get interactive via our Facebook page!

Source: YEN.com.gh