Ghana’s airports to reopen on September 1 - President Akufo-Addo

Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has announced the country's plans to re-open its air borders.

In his 15th televised update on government's fight against coronavirus, Akufo-Addo set September 1 as the potential re-opening date of the country’s airports.

According to the president, the Ministry of Aviation, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the Ghana Airports Co. Ltd., have been working with the Ministry of Health and its agencies, to ascertain the country’s readiness to reopen its airport, The Premium Times reports.

“I want to ensure we are in the position to test every single passenger who arrives in the country to avoid the spread of the virus. The outcome of that exercise will show us the way and determine when we can reopen our border by air,” he said.

“I am hoping by God’s grace, we will be ready to do so by September 1,” the president added.

Ghana’s international borders were closed to human traffic on March 22, 2020, in a bid to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Meanwhile, tertiary institutions in the country will reopen on August 24.

“Through online learning portals, almost all continuing students in our universities have completed their studies for the academic year with the exception of the University of Cape Coast, University of Health and Allied Sciences, technical universities and some other colleges. After extensive stakeholder consultations, the decision has been taken for continuing students of these tertiary institutions to return to school on 24th August to finish their academic year,” he said.

Additionally, the president lifted restrictions placed on persons allowed to attend conferences subject to the maintenance of social distancing, proper ventilation and a two-hour limit for each session.

Ghana currently has 1,939 active cases of COVID-19, out of a total of 42,532 registered. The disease has killed 231.

The country recorded its index case on March 12.