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Member of Parliament (MP) for Sekondi constituency in the Western Region, Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer has defended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for easing restrictions on open-air drinking spots and tourist sites in the country.

The President, on Sunday, July 26, 2020 rolled out phase two of his easing of public restrictions.

He announced that open-air drinking spots and tourist sites can commence operations but should ensure strict adherence to the safety protocols against the COVID-19 disease.

"In consultation with the Ghana Tourism Authority and the health experts, I am announcing the reopening of our nation’s tourist sites and attractions, so they can begin to receive visitors. Open-air drinking spots can now function. The management of these facilities are tasked to enforce enhanced hygiene and social distancing protocols. Beaches, pubs, cinemas and nightclubs, however, remain closed until further notice," he said.

Following the President's address, PPP National Chairman, Nana Ofori Owusu expressed opposing views saying it is wrong move to allow open-air drinking spots to function.

He wondered how the President expects the customers to observe the mandatory wearing of nose mask, social distancing and the other necessary COVID-19 safety protocols at the drinking spots.

"So, what's the purpose of that? The nightclubs won't be opened but we'll open bars along the streets...I feel that some of these things is not going to help. With most of the people sitting in open bars, nobody wants to wear the mask because when you can't wear mask when drinking or you remove the mask to drink and then wear it back. I think this is not the best . . . We need a better way to deal with it in all due respect and highest of respect to His Excellency," he said.

Responding to Nana Ofori's assertions, Hon. Egyapa Mercer held strongly that the President's directive is in the right order arguing that people cannot continually stay in their rooms due to the pandemic disease.

He added that there is scientific evidence that the disease may linger on for years and so asked for how long do the PPP National Chairman and any critic expect Ghanaians to remain indoors.

"Nobody can predict this COVID-19. In fact, people are estimating that it will stay with us for as much as 10 years. So, businesses will close for 10 years? Livelihoods are not going to be earned for 10 years?" he questioned.

To him, business must go on with or without the disease, asserting that the disease thrives better in enclosed areas but not in an open space.

"You ought to have a clear balance...We have been told that if you're in a ventilated environment as opposed to being in a room or enclosed area, the virus thrives in an enclosed environment than in an open air environment...Nightclubs are enclosed. Most pubs in Accra are enclosed and the virus also thrives more in the enclosed places. But open air environment, the risk level is lower in terms of transmission. So, apply those protocols of wearing your mask but of course take it off when you have to drink or sip with the view of restoring people's livelihoods," he stressed.