The Ghanian government has lifted its three weeks lockdown in two of the largest cities, Accra and Kumasi, after making what it called “progress with coronavirus testing”. 

It also cited “severe” impact of the lockdown and restrictions on the country’s poor and vulnerable, CNN reported. 

In a televised address on Sunday, President Akufo-Addo said the decision to lift the lockdown did not mean the government was letting its guard down, saying existing bans on public gatherings and school closure were still in place.

“The majority of those infected in Ghana have mild to no symptoms at all, whilst a very small number have required hospital treatment of which nine persons with underlying illness have died,” he said.

The president urged Ghanaians to wear masks when going outside and to continue adhering to social distancing measures in public places.

He said health authorities have been able to map cases and identify potential hotspots to detect asymptomatic cases to minimise the spread. 

Nonessential businesses in Accra and Kumasi have been allowed to re-open Monday. 

Ghana has confirmed 1,042 cases, and nine people have died. 

Health authorities say they tested more than 68,000 officials are awaiting test results of 18,000 samples.

Drones used to transport samples to labs