Covid-19: Ghana restricts flights into country but Nigeria ignores measure

Barely three days after Ghana recorded its first coronavirus case (Covid-19), the Ghanaian government has restricted flights from countries with high cases of the virus.

Ghana joins a growing list of countries, which exclude Nigeria, banning foreign flights to prevent coronavirus spread.

In a statement seen by Nairametrics, the Ghanaian government stated that the restriction is placed on countries with at least 200 cases of coronavirus. Individuals on flights from such countries won’t be allowed to enter Ghana.

The restriction was also placed on a land border as well. It was stated that for persons allowed into Ghana, they would be mandated to undergo 14-day self-quarantine.

“Any traveller, 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 Ghanaian jurisdiction.

“Airlines are instructed not to allow such persons to embark. Border posts are instructed not to allow such persons into the jurisdiction. There will be a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for persons who are otherwise allowed to enter the Ghanaian jurisdiction.

“Enforcement protocols are being deployed in collaboration with state security and health authorities. Persons determined to be unable to satisfactorily self-quarantine will be quarantined by the State,” the statement read. The restriction took effect from March 15, 2020.

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What is Nigeria waiting for? The restriction by the Ghanaian government is part of a global measure by countries trying to prevent the spread of coronavirus. While many countries have taken this path, the Nigerian government has ignored calls to also place flight restriction on countries with high cases of coronavirus.

The United States, Canada, Israel, China, India, Italy and many others have restricted travelling into their countries. Also, Uganda has placed travel restriction on countries like the UK, US, China and other affected nations, and now, the Ghanaian government has joined this list to curb coronavirus spread within its country.

But Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, believes travel ban is not necessary for now. Although Nigeria has reported just two cases of coronavirus, of which one has reportedly recovered, countries are not waiting to record high cases before restricting flights into their countries. This is why travel agencies in Nigeria are experiencing decline in ticket sales on international routes.