The Minister for Aviation, Joseph Kofi Adda, has entreated all airlines to strictly abide by the travel advisory announced by government to deal with Ghana’s measures outlined to contain and manage the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He had discussions with the Board of Airline Representatives of Ghana (BARG) and the Airline Operators Committee (AOC). The Aviation Minister acknowledged the airline industry’s crucial importance to Ghana’s economy, especially in view of the president’s vision for the sector.

He solicited cooperation from the two stakeholders in ensuring compliance with a recent government travel notice that now restricts entry from countries which have recorded at least 200 cases of COVID-19.

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

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

“Government has taken these steps in the interest of public safety and in recognition of the urgent need to reduce spread of the disease through air transport. The situation is constantly being reviewed, and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and Port Health Authority will work closely with stakeholders in this regard,” Mr. Kofi Adda said.

Delivering remarks at the meeting, leaders of BARG and AOC equally expressed concern about rapid spread of the virus and pledged to cooperate with government to ensure the pandemic’s containment. They both shared a number of enhanced measures to help government in its efforts.

In attendance at the meeting were senior officials from the Aviation Ministry, GCAA, GACL; Mrs. Gloria Wilkinson Mensah, Chairperson of BARG; and Mrs. Sylvia Baah, Chairperson of AOC.