Secretary General of the AfCTA, Wamkele Mene
The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber for Tourism Industry (CTI), Prince Ntiamoah Boampong, says the re-opening of Kotoka International Airport allows for a proper testing of all the structures requisite for trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), scheduled for January 2021.
He said the move by the government comes at a crucial time when plans are far advanced for trading next year.
“For us as a tourism institution, we are excited about this because that means we can prepare adequately for the full operations of the African Continental Free Trade office. It also shows us that visitors can come from different countries, in and out, and test the robustness of our airport and operations post-COVID and see how we can block all the loopholes that come with any challenges associated with AfCFTA’s operations,” he said.
“After our Africa Digitisation Conference on Tourism and Trade webinar, I believe we have opened the door for trade conversations to be institutionalised and intensified. Almost every country on the continent had virtually gone on break so for AfCFTA’s host country to open its borders is a clear indication that we are open for business. That’s welcoming news for Ghana and AfCFTA,” he added.
“Trade and tourism are intertwined and inter-linked, and Ghana, being a destination for these two activities, would quickly help our failing tourism industry to rise up again,” Mr Boampong continued.
Self-discipline
In an interview with the media prior to the re-opening of KIA, CTI’s Chief Operating Officer Angela Akua Asante hoped that the health protocols would continue to be adhered to.
“We need to continue with all those safety protocols so that the arrival of tourists is not going to create so much excitement that people forget to put their nose masks on, to practice social distancing and all of that,” she emphasised.
“On the other hand, once we’re able to apply self-discipline and make this work, then this is going to be great for all of us. There’s a lot of excitement because businesses in the tourism sector are now able to project some growth after the last few months which have been quite difficult and quiet for them,” she added.
Ms Angela Asante further said that CTI is positive about the direction that Ghana’s tourism sector is taking, and pledged a continuous cooperation with the Tourism Ministry and its agencies.
Safety measure
Regarding international arrivals protocols at Kotoka International Airport, all visiting passengers will have to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, taken not more than 72 hours before departure to Ghana. Passengers disembarking from flights are required to wear face masks.
Mandatory tests will be done upon arrival at the airport terminal, for persons over the age of five, with results provided within 30 minutes.
Passengers who test positive will be handed to health authorities for further clinical assessment and management, and those who test negative will be allowed to go on their duties. But they will be required, like the rest of the nation, to observe current health protocols such as the wearing of face masks and maintaining social distancing protocols.
Source: dailystatesman.com.gh/Isabella Agyakwa
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