Ghana’s government is strongly discouraging all travel to the country until further notice, starting March 15.

This comes after the West African country confirmed four new coronavirus cases within its jurisdiction, making six, the total number of confirmed cases in the country.

As part of measures to control the spread of coronavirus in the country, the government has issued a travel advisory.

The Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah at a press briefing in Accra directed all airlines not to allow foreigners without a Ghanaian residence permit and have within the last 14 days, been to a country that has recorded at least 200 cases of COVID-19, to embark starting 1 pm, Tuesday, March 17.

“Any traveler except for Ghanaian citizens and persons with Ghana residence permits, who, within the last 14 days, has been to a country that has recorded at least 200 cases of COVID-19, will not be admitted into the Ghanaian jurisdiction. Airlines are instructed not to allow such persons to embark. Border posts are instructed not to allow such persons into the jurisdiction.” The travel advisory noted.

There will be a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for persons who are otherwise allowed to enter the Ghanaian jurisdiction.

According to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah guidelines for self-quarantine will be available at the various Ghanaian ports of entry.

Enforcement

Enforcement protocols are being deployed in collaboration with state security and health authorities.

The Minister noted that persons determined to be unable to satisfactorily self-quarantine will be quarantined by the state.

“Any admissible traveler who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 will be quarantined and tested upon reaching Ghana,” the travel advisory further states.

Here is a copy of the travel advisory published on the verified Facebook account of Ghana’s Ministry of Information.

By: Rabiu Alhassan