Ghanaian authorities will impose a fine of $3,500 on airlines for every unvaccinated passenger or that tests positive for COVID-19 on arrival.
The new restrictions were announced on December 13, 2021, when the government of Ghana reportedly warned that it will charge airlines for every air traveler brought into the country who has not been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. The move comes as part of an effort by the West African country to control the spread of the virus in Ghana.
The new rule will also ensure airlines that offer flights into Kotoka International Airport (ACC) are obliged to make sure that all passengers are fully vaccinated passengers and have shown evidence of a negative PCR test.
Meanwhile, non-Ghanaian nationals who are not fully vaccinated may be banned from entering the country and returned to the airport they departed from at the cost of the airline.
The local government reportedly believes that such strict measures will help to prevent the spread of Omicron, a highly transmissible virus strain. Omicron was first discovered in southern Africa and has already been detected in several European countries as well as the United States and Asia.
The implementation of the new restriction is due to take effect on December 13, 2021.
According to Worldometer data, Ghana has currently registered 131,547 COVID-19 cases and 1,243 casualties.