Travellers to be vaccinated on arrival in Ghana
Returning citizens and residents to Ghana will be vaccinated from Monday against COVID-19 upon arrival at the airport if they have not received shots.
Ghana’s Health Service Director-General, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, disclosed on Friday, amid concerns over low take-up of vaccination.
He said that all Ghanaians leaving the country would also be required to show proof of vaccination because of the rise in COVID-19 cases and detection of the Omicron variant.
Ghana has so far administered vaccines to about 5.7 per cent of its population of 30 million.
Its newly announced vaccination requirements are among the strictest in Africa, where vaccine uptake has been slow due to lack of supply and logistics challenges.
According to the official, the current increase in cases, detection of the Omicron variant among international arrivals and expected increase during the festive season, call for urgent actions to prevent a major surge in COVID-19 cases in Ghana.
“Ghana is holding a vaccination drive this month, and from January 22, 2022, the vaccine will become mandatory for targeted groups including government employees, health workers and students.
“From January, proof of vaccination will also be needed to access night clubs, beaches, sports stadiums and restaurants.
“Over the last two weeks, COVID-19 cases recorded at the Kotoka International Airport in the capital Accra accounted for about 60 per cent of total infections in the country.
“Data from the airport showed that people who tested positive were three times more likely to be unvaccinated,” he said.
Among the 34 cases of Omicron variant detected, 75 per cent were unvaccinated.
Ghana’s health service has recorded 131,246 cases and 1,228 deaths from COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
