The Chamber for Tourism Industry Ghana has applauded the possible reopening of the country’s air borders in September 2020. It further advised government to do due diligence in ensuring safety protocols are adhered to.
President Nana Akufo-Addo in his recent address to the nation hinted of a likely re-opening of the country’s airport to international travel in September.
The Chief Operating Officer of the Chamber, Angela Akua Asante speaking in an interview, noted that discretion must be exercised and adherence to safety protocol be at the forefront of every undertaking, especially by visiting tourists.
She further indicated that although her members are quite elated over the prospects of reclaiming their business which has been adversely affected by the pandemic, the enforcement of the COVID-19 safety protocols should not be frivolously handled.
“All those safety protocols, we need to continue with them so that the arrival of tourists do not create so much excitement that people forget to put their nose masks on, to practice social distancing and all of that. On the other hand, once we are able to apply self-discipline, to make this work, then this is going to be great for all of us. Like I said, there is a lot of excitement because now, businesses in the tourism sector are able to project some growth after the last few months which have been pretty difficult and quite challenging for them.
“We at Chamber for Tourism Ghana are quite positive about the direction of Ghana’s tourism sector is taking and it is our duty and my duty also as the Chief Operating Officer of the Chamber to continue to cooperate with the ministry and also with the Ghana Tourism Authority to create a safe and prosperous environment for all of us.”
A large chunk of patrons of the country’s tourism sector are foreign nationals so the closure of the country’s borders negatively impacted the industry, leading to severe losses.
Up until the recent announcement by the President, tourist sites across the country had been shut down to visitors.
Opening of borders
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo disclosed in his 15th national address that government was working to re-open Ghana’s borders depending on the readiness and ability to ensure that every passenger who arrives in Ghana is tested for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Consequently, he said the government was hoping that by September 1, 2020, the assessment of the readiness to test all passengers would have been completed to enable the borders to re-open.
“I know many still ask whether our borders, especially our international airport, Kotoka International Airport will be opened. Under my instructions the Ministry of Aviation, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) have been working with the Ministry of Health and its agencies to ascertain our readiness to re-open our airport.”
The Ghana Health Service (GHS), subsequently rolled out some safety protocols for the resumption of international air travel in the advent of the pandemic.
Among the various concerns highlighted by the GHS which necessitated the notice, it identified overcrowding as one of the major issues influencing the spread of the virus. As a result it has proffered some measures to stymie the rates of infection during the easing of COVID-19 restrictions on flight travel.
