Former president of Ghana, and Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has advised African governments to mount strong awareness campaign on the novel coronavirus as was done during the period of the Ebola outbreak.

He mentioned that, educating the public on coronavirus, and how to avoid getting affected will go a long way in shielding African countries from the devastating effects of the outbreak.

“We must mount a strong educational and awareness campaign on the nature and mode of transmission of COVID-19 as was done in the period of the Ebola disease outbreak” he said on social media today.

The former president noted that, “Africa is vulnerable” and the first of case of coronavirus being reported in Nigeria must push African governments to implement “aggressive preventive measures”.

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Mahama suggested the immediate establishment of quarantine centres among others measures to deal with the health emergency.

“Measures as establishment of quarantine centres, provision of hazmat suits, temperature monitoring and traveler tracking are urgently required” he noted.

“Discouraging hand shaking, frequent handwashing, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers at public gatherings such as churches, mosques, funerals etc. should be promoted as soon as possible” he added.

The former president urged African countries to take aggressive containment measures as the World Health Organisation is yet to declare coronavirus a pandemic