President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions and the opening of all land and sea borders effective Monday 28th March, 2022
Social distancing and wearing of nose-mask are no longer mandatory while activities in churches, mosques, conferences, workshops, private parties and events, and cinemas and theatres resume at full capacity.
The audience and participants at these programmes are, however, expected to be fully vaccinated while hand washing and sanitizing points are also to be made available at these venues.
President Akufo-Addo made the announcement on Sunday 27th March, 2022 in his update no. 28 on Ghana’s enhanced response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Following the first two cases of COVID recorded in Ghana on 11th March 2020, the government pursued a comprehensive strategy including restrictions and lockdowns to stem the spread of the virus some of which have been suspended over the years.
The government, he said, has undertaken a comprehensive review of the raft measures put in place to help win the fight against the COVID-19, premised on the background of rapidly declining infections.
“Indeed, as of Friday, 25th March 2022, the total number of active cases stood at 72. There are no severely or critically ill persons.”
“Our COVID-19 treatment centres are empty, and the 4th wave appears to be over. In addition to these very low reported cases is the considerable improvement in the availability and uptake of vaccines by the population,” he said.
He disclosed that outdoor functions at sporting events, entertainment spots, political rallies and funerals may resume at full capacity, again, as long as all persons at these events are fully vaccinated.
And indicated that government will continue to engage all religious and traditional leaders, agencies and institutions to encourage their congregants, subjects and citizens, respectively, to be vaccinated to help achieve the 20 million target by June 2022.
PCR tests at the Kotoka International Airport and from the country of embarkation are also suspended as of Monday for fully vaccinated travellers entering the country.
The President said, “Citizens and foreign residents in Ghana, who are not fully vaccinated, would, however, need to provide a negative PCR test result of not more than 48-hours, will undergo an antigen test upon arrival at KIA, and will be offered vaccination there.”
President Akufo-Addo also announced the opening of all land and sea borders and entry into Ghana allowed, for fully vaccinated travellers without a negative PCR test result from the country of origin.
Citizens and foreign residents in Ghana not fully vaccinated will however have to produce negative 48-hour PCR test results and will be offered vaccination on arrival.
According to the President, it has been a difficult two years for Ghanaians but stressed there is light at the end of the long tunnel.
He, therefore, appealed for personal responsibility from all Ghanaians, to protect themselves at all times, and do everything to stay safe as the restrictions are lifted.
He said, “Now is the time for all of us to join hands, work hard, and help put our nation back onto the path of progress and prosperity, as we resume full production and increase productivity.”
“As your President, I assure you that, sooner rather than later, our economy will rebound from the ravages of COVID-19. The policies we are implementing will, with your active support, help grow the economy at a much faster rate, help create jobs for the youth, and help us overcome the difficulties we are faced with,” he added.