Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has urged his fellow countrymen to get vaccinated and continue observing health protocols aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19 even as they enjoy the festive period.

Akufo-Addo made the call in his 2021 Christmas message to the West African nation.

"As Christmas fills our hearts with gratitude, let us not forget that COVID-19 is still very much in our midst. The number of active cases is currently on the rise. So, let us act and live responsibly, let us continue to adhere to the protocols of social distancing, enhanced hygiene and mask wearing," the President said.

"Our responsibility to one another requires that we be vaccinated. Let us all celebrate the season safely and responsibly, and maintain the peace of the nation," he added.

Akufo-Addo noted that his administration had secured 23 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines so far for the country's 31 million people.

So far, nearly 7 million Ghanaians have received at least one dose of the vaccines.

The West African country has recorded 134,555 COVID-19 infections with 1,269 fatalities.