Aiming for September 1st

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When will Ghana’s borders reopen? That’s the burning question on the minds of many African-Americans these days.

The answer is soon. For those itching to go, Ghana hopes to reopen its borders by September 1st.

On August 16, Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo presented an update on the country’s Covid-19 situation and also shared a brief outline of the government’s plan to reopen the country’s borders.

Here are my key takeaways of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s speech for those of you counting the days to Ghana’s reopening

Ghana is moving cautiously toward a sense of normalcy while strictly adhering to safety protocols, including mandatory wearing of masks and social distancing.

Ghana has made significant progress in the fight against the spread of the Coronavirus.

According to the President, as of July 24, there were 3,307 reported active cases of Coronavirus infections. By August 15th, that number had dropped to 1, 847.

Furthermore, no active cases of virus infections were reported in the Northeast, Savanna, Upper East or Upper West Regions.

Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central, Eastern and Western Regions are the areas with the highest number of active cases.

The statistics are impressive

40,567 people have recovered from the virus and the death rate is very low at 0.5%.

427,121 tests have been conducted and there is no backlog of testing at their testing centers. Results that used to take weeks now can be obtained in 48 hours.

No wonder people want to travel to Ghana as soon as the borders open.

So when exactly will that happen?

Ghana has taken a phased approach to returning to the new normal. Strategic and cautious measures are being implemented to ease into opening the country’s borders.

The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Aviation, and the Ghana Airport Company Ltd, are working together with the Ministry of Health on measures to effectively test every passenger arriving at Kotoka International Airport so as to avoid the spread of the virus.

The outcome of this study will determine whether or not the air border will be reopened. President Akufo-Addo is hopeful that they will be able to do so by September 1st.

Until further notice, Ghana’s borders by land, air and sea remain closed.