President Nana Akufo-Addo has ordered the closure of all schools and universities in Ghana as his administration moves to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier on Sunday afternoon, health authorities announced that six cases of the disease have been recorded in the country within a period of less than 48 hours.

On Sunday evening, in a televised address the President ordered the closure of all educational institutions with effect from Monday, March 16, 2020.

“All universities, Senior High Schools and Basic Schools, i.e. public and private, will be closed from Monday, March 16 until further notice,” the President said.

He also ordered the suspension of all public gatherings for the next four weeks.