COVID-19: 'Ghana's airports are safe' as domestic flights commence May 1

The Ministry of Aviation says the country's airports are safe as they open for domestic operations on Friday, May 1, 2020.

The Ministry in a press release said it has in collaboration with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Airports Company Limited and Ghana Health Service instituted measured to ensure smooth domestic airline operations.

"...it is the expectation of the Ministry that domestic airline operators and the travelling public will comply strictly with the laid down protocols by officials of Port Health stationed at the various airports," the release said.

The commencement of domestic air travel operations comes in the wake of the disinfection of the major airports in Ghana including the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi following the lifting of the partial lockdown by His Excellency the President.

"The Ministry of Aviation wishes to assure the general public that the country's Airports are safe as they open up for domestic operations and the government remains committed to safety of passengers and service providers as part of measures to restoring normalcy to the aviation industry. We will review laid down protocols during the domestic operation and when necessary, introduce improved procedures to further enhance the measures to strengthen the fight against coronavirus pandemic as it affects the aviation sector.

"We urge the travelling public as well as airline operators and all stakeholders to cooperate with the government during this difficult period".

Background

The country's airports were shut down for commercial flights as part of the directives implemented to help stop the spread of the coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

As part of the preparations to re-open some of them, Zoomlion Ghana Limited on April 28 disinfected and fumigated the airport in readiness for the commencement of domestic air travel. Similar exercises also took place at the Kumasi and Tamale airports.