ACCRA, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced here late Wednesday a fund of 100 million U.S. dollars for the fight against COVID-19.

Addressing the nation live on radio and television on the enhanced measures against the disease, Akufo-Addo said it was necessary to step up the country's preparedness to fight the disease in case of an outbreak.

"This fund is to finance the expansion of infrastructure, purchase of materials and equipment, and public education," said the president.

Earlier in the day, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 a pandemic as the disease is spreading rapidly across the globe.

So far, Ghana has tested more than 40 suspected cases of COVID-19, which proved to be negative.

The president urged Ghanaians to observe all the safe hygiene practices to avoid getting infected.