As a result of an increase in cases, the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has updated COVID-19 protocols for travellers arriving from China at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
The new guidelines go into effect on January 6, 2023.
According to the new guidelines, all persons arriving in Ghana (citizens, residents, and visitors) who are fully vaccinated will be exempt from any form of testing performed either prior to boarding from the originating country or upon arrival in Ghana, with the exception of passengers traveling from China.
“In addition, such passengers will be required to undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing at no cost upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport,” according to the statement.
Passengers may, however, be randomly selected and offered a test upon arrival, according to the statement.
Non-Ghanaians who use “fake” or “forged” vaccination certificates will be quarantined and returned to their point of embarkation at their own expense, according to the statement.
“Airlines bringing passengers to Kotoka International Airport who are not fully vaccinated, or passengers originating their journey from China who do not have a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result 48 hours prior to departure will be charged $3,500,” the statement added.
China reported three new COVID deaths on Monday, bringing the country’s official death toll since the outbreak began to 5,253.
The People’s Daily, the Communist Party’s official newspaper, reported on Tuesday that the virus’s illness was relatively mild for most people, citing Chinese experts.
“Severe and critical illnesses account for 3% to 4% of infected patients currently admitted to designated hospitals in Beijing,” said Tong Zhaohui, vice president of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital.
