Starting from today, Saturday, May 20, 2023, Ghana has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions at its entry points. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) made this announcement in a statement signed by COVID-19 restrictions at all entry points removed, the Director-General of the GHS. The decision to lift the restrictions is based on the World Health Organization’s declaration on May 5, 2023, stating that COVID-19 is no longer considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
According to the GHS statement, several changes have been implemented. Pre-departure testing and testing at entry points are no longer mandatory for passengers. Additionally, the COVID-19 health declaration form for international travelers has been suspended.
The GHS emphasized that these decisions were made during the national COVID-19 Task Force meeting on May 17, 2023, taking into account the global and national situation. The GHS also assured that it will maintain operational readiness and flexibility to respond to any potential increases in COVID-19 cases.
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“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 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,” GHS further noted.
“For constant vigilance and protection of persons from COVID-19 infections, the following measures are to be maintained: COVID-19 Vaccination drive will continue. Persons with symptoms of fever, cough and sore throat would be tested for both Flu and COVID-19 at our sentinel sites across all 16 regions. Surveillance will continue to help us identify any new COVID-19 variants of Concern. The public is to maintain general safety measures like handwashing with soap and water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Persons with complaints of fever, cough and sore throat should report to the nearest health facility for management. Persons who test positive for COVID-19 are to be managed with existing protocols”.
