“From Monday, the wearing of face masks against coronavirus is no longer mandatory. I encourage all of you to continue to maintain enhanced hand hygiene practices and avoid overcrowded gatherings,” Mr Akufo-Addo announced.
Those were the words of the Ghanaian President as he lifted most of the COVID-19 restrictions upheld in the country. Adding to that, he announced the opening of land and sea borders, signifying ease in domestic measures and travel restrictions. It indeed was a relief to the people of Ghana and the world at large.
In his 28th nationwide COVID-19 address, the president stated that he made the decision after reviewing the measures put in place to combat coronavirus, the background of rapidly declining infections, and the success of the vaccination campaign by the Ghana Health Service.
In the address, the president said religious gatherings, conferences, workshops, others will resume fully, provided audiences are fully vaccinated. It is unclear whether bars and nightclubs may operate, due to their peculiar nature.
Nonetheless, he said handwashing and sanitizing points must be available at every venue to combat the virus.
In his words: “Fully vaccinated travelers will be allowed entry through the borders without a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test result from the country of origin”. With respect to traveling, all Ghanaians leaving the country must be vaccinated.
“It has been a difficult two years, and we see the light at the end of a very long tunnel. I appeal to all of us to live responsibly, protect ourselves, and do everything we can to stay safe as we lift these restrictions.”
However, the authorities banned travelers from Malta from entering the country. This is due to raised eyebrows on the health concerns due to the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. In addition, officials said the COVID-19 vaccination certificate issued in Malta isn’t recognized
