Ghana lifts COVID-19 restrictions at all entry points

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions at all entry points of the country, starting from Saturday, May 20, 2023.

In a statement signed by the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the decision was made following the World Health Organisation's (WHO) declaration on May 5, 2023, that COVID-19 is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

According to the GHS statement, pre-departure testing and testing at all points of entry will no longer be required for passengers, and the COVID-19 health declaration form for international travellers has been suspended.

The GHS emphasized that these measures were taken based on the global and national situation, as discussed during the national COVID-19 Task Force meeting on May 17, 2023.

While the restrictions are lifted, the Ghana Health Service affirmed its commitment to maintaining operational readiness and flexibility to respond to any potential COVID-19 surges.

The statement from the GHS stated, “The health systems in the country have maintained sufficient capacity in the midst of these threats. The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, with the support of our partners, will continue to ensure operational readiness and flexibility to respond during surges of COVID-19 while maintaining other essential health services and preparing for the emergence of new variants with increased severity or capacity.”

The GHS assured the public that measures to protect against COVID-19 infections will remain in place.

The statement outlined the following measures to be maintained: the COVID-19 vaccination drive will continue, individuals with symptoms of fever, cough, and sore throat will be tested for both flu and COVID-19, surveillance will continue to identify any new COVID-19 variants of concern, and the public should continue to practice general safety measures such as handwashing and use of hand sanitisers.

Furthermore, individuals with symptoms should seek medical attention at the nearest health facility, and those who test positive for COVID-19 will be managed according to existing protocols.