Ghana shuts down passport offices over Covid-19

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suspended passport services in all Passport Application Centres (PACs) with immediate effect, a statement said.

It said the decision is in line with the president’s directive to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

“Applicants will not be admitted for vetting and capture procedures and also for collection of processed passports,” a press statement issued by the Ministry stated.

It added that all PACs will remain closed for the next two weeks or until such a time that the situation would be sufficiently safe for opening.

Below is the statement:

Covid-19 cases in Ghana now 11

Ghana has confirmed 11 cases of the Covid-19 disease in the last few days.

Though no death has been recorded, health officials say the patients are in stable condition.

The country has denied entry for 24 Chinese nationals and a German on Tuesday due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Immigration officials have disclosed.

The West African nation has currently closed its borders to countries with over 200 cases of the Covid-19 as part of measures to contain the virus.

Restrictions tightened at entry points

Addressing a Press Conference, the Ghana Immigration Service revealed that several flights have also been refused to land in the country.

An Ethiopian Airline which managed to land at the Kotoka International Airport on Tuesday was refuelled and asked to fly back to its destination with all the passengers on board, the Ghana Immigration Service said.

Another German and two Australians who attempted to enter Ghana through the Aflao border were also stopped and sent back to their countries. Another Nigerian who had returned from South Korea and was attempting to enter Ghana through the Aflao border was also denied entry.

Covid-19 kills 3 in Europe

Ghana has lost three of its citizens to the deadly coronavirus disease in Italy and Denmark.

Disclosing the news, the Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchway said the government is monitoring the situation in other parts of the world to give the best form of protection to Ghanaians.

According to her, the situation is not critical and won’t require the evacuation of Ghanaians in hard-hit countries, however, she said Ghanaians need to adhere to health tips.

Ban on Public gatherings

Ghana has shut down all educational institutions – universities, second cycle schools and basic schools – effective Monday, March 16, 2020, president Akufo-Addo announced Sunday evening.

All churches and public gatherings including funerals have been banned in the next four weeks due to the coronavirus disease, according to the president.

“All public gatherings festivals, political rallies, religious events have been suspended for the next four weeks,” Akufo-Addo announced.

Source: Daily Mail GH