Coronavirus: Two Italians refused entry into Ghana

Two Italians were given marching orders after touching down at the Kotoka International Airport on Monday evening, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has revealed.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Oppong Nkrumah disclosed that although the president’s directive banning travels into the country by persons from countries with over 200 cases of coronavirus was yet to take place, they had already started implementing discretionary soft measures.

He noted that government officials had been hinted of details of two passengers on board Air France flight and were due to land Monday evening.

In response, airport authorities ensured that after touching down, the two passengers from the epicenter were prevented from alighting and arrangements were quickly put in place to get them to return.

“…there were two Italians who we were clear were coming from the epicenter. Once we got the confirmation of their details, even though the aircraft was in the air, we had to make arrangements at the airport to ensure that they do not get off the aircraft and they are returned to their originating destination,” he stated.

He further explained that the move was in compliance with the travel advisory directive issued by President Akufo-Addo to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Government issued a travel advisory commencing Tuesday, March 17, 2020, which indicated that any traveller who, within the last 14 days, has been to a country that has recorded at least 200 cases of persons infected of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, would not be permitted into the Ghanaian jurisdiction, except for Ghanaian citizens and persons with a Ghana residence permit.

The Government has also instructed airlines not to allow such persons to embark; and also urged border posts not permit such travellers into their jurisdiction.