International partners and government efforts in combating COVID-19 in Ghana

Background: This study examines the perceived roles played by global partners and the government of Ghana in combating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country. The study investigated the public perception of government efforts in ensuring adherence or non-adherence to COVID-19 protocols in the Tamale Metropolis in Northern Ghana. Methods: The data was collected qualitatively through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and some direct observations. The study involved 92 participants at various health facilities, offices and homes on issues of adherence and or non-adherence to COVID-19 protocols. Results: It found participants had some knowledge of the efforts global partners and government made in combating COVID-19 in Ghana. Also, found that the government of Ghana performed well in the fight against COVID-19 through the provision of ‘freebies’ like free water, hot meals, locally manufactured nose masks, liquid soaps, spraying/fumigation exercises, and disbursement of COVID-19 funds to businesses that were heavily impacted by COVID-19. The majority (85%) of the participants said they adhered to the protocols while a minority (15%) of the participants believed COVID-19 does not exist, and therefore did not adhere to the protocols. The study found people in urban areas were more aware of COVID-19 and received greater government support as part of policy strategies to contain the pandemic. Conclusion: It concludes that there is more awareness of COVID-19 in the African continent particularly Ghana. Also, it concludes that urban areas were more prioritized in the disbursement of COVID-19 funds as well as spraying/fumigation exercises than rural Ghana. It recommends that future pandemics or outbreaks of disease containment should not be restrictive to the urban areas, but every part of Ghana should be prioritized.