Kotoka International Airport (KIA) shut as part of measures announced by President Akufo-Addo to contain the Covid-19 pandemic could be reopened in September 2020 to allow international travels.
The closure of the airport had been preceded by similar action worldwide to stop the importation of the disease but notwithstanding the action, the ailment spared no country.
Hints about the 1st September reopening of Ghana’s principal international airport was dropped by Abdul Malik Kweku Baako Jnr., Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide, during last Saturday’s Joy FM’s Newsfile programme.
Information about reopening, according to him, was something he picked up from sources at the ‘corridors of power’.
President Akufo-Addo has reviewed the measures put in place to contain the pandemic periodically, with the latest in line being yesterday’s during which he expectedly gave an update and a further easing of the restrictions.
Social distancing alongside the other measures such as the use of face masks were, however, left intact.
The reopening of the KIA although is intended to get nearer to the restoration of normalcy in business activities would also enable Ghanaians stranded abroad to return home and have their names included in the voters’ roll.
A top official of the Electoral Commission (EC) is reported to have said that it was not envisaged at the time of drawing up the programme for the registration that Ghanaians would be stranded outside the country’s jurisdiction.
Those who arrive in the country 50 days before voting can still be eligible to grab voters’ cards and partake in the December polls, DAILY GUIDE has learnt.
The land borders would, however, remain shut until further notice, DAILY GUIDE has also learnt.
Special arrangements had been made earlier for the airlifting of stranded Ghanaians from countries, such as the US, Britain and Canada, including Russia. All such persons were quarantined at their expense in hotels in Accra.
The catch for the reopening of the airports is that those arriving would be quarantined for a fortnight and at their expense.
The closure of the land frontiers demanded the deployment of soldiers to such locations to augment the output of personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) who palpably overstretched.
Notwithstanding the deployment, Ghana witnessed an unusual influx of foreigners from neighbouring countries, many of whom were arrested as they trooped down to partake in the just-ended voter registration exercise.
While some have been jailed, some are still being tried in various courts across the country.
The reopening of the airports would restore some life to the now dormant hospitality industry, with some hotels having had to lay off staff.
By A.R. Gomda
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