COVID-19 lockdown implementation in Ghana: lessons learned and hurdles to overcome

COVID-19 exacts huge health and economic burdens on the global economy. To minimize spread of the virus, most governments of the wealthiest countries implemented lockdowns—a tough preventive measure. Ghana implemented a partial lockdown of two major cities, then lifted it in few weeks despite rising numbers of cases. This Viewpoint presents perspectives of key stakeholders in the public about lockdown implementation in Ghana. Respondents characterize the lifting of the lockdown as hasty, poorly communicated, and lacking transparency. Most would have preferred a longer lockdown despite the pressures it imposed especially on the urban poor. Participants expressed uncertainty about the health systems' ability to respond to increases in disease transmission and to provide education, engagement, and empowerment needed in communities, but even so would have preferred a longer lockdown. We offer lessons for more effective policy and implementation of lockdowns.