The Borders are Open to Ghana!!!

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So if you were not aware, the Ghanaian President closed the borders of Ghana months ago due to COVID-19. His main concern of course was to protect the people of Ghana. It was determined that the first cases of the Coronavirus was brought to the country by travelers coming into the country. President Nana Akufo-Addo reacted quickly in response to the pandemic by closing the borders to all international flights.

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As of September 1, 2020, President Akufo-Addo announced during his 16th address to the nation, that the country is prepared to receive international visitors. He advised that this decision has been communicated to international airlines across the world. The President and his staff did an excellent job in communicating very clearly to the diaspora and others that are thinking of traveling to Ghana within in the upcoming months, the requirements in entering the country.

So specifically, what is required in order to enter the country? President Akufo-Addo and his staff have stated the following in order to enter the country.

Each passenger will undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test at the airport terminal. The cost of this test is $150 that will be absorbed by all passengers. All travelers will receive the results in approximately 30 minutes and if the results are negative, travelers will be free to leave the airport and go about their “lawful” activities. All travelers will be advised to continue to observe COVID-19 safety precautions during their stay in the country.

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As you may be aware, Ghana is considered to be the “gateway” to Africa. The country hosts thousands and into the millions of visitors, travelers and diasporans yearly. It has been reported that three to five thousand diasporans have repatriated back to the country and that number continues to grow. Ghana has done an excellent job of reaching out and welcoming diasporans and other guests to the country. As they say in their universal language Twi, “Akawaaba” which means you are welcome!

So, is the extra cost a bummer? Of course it it! It is not a cheap venture to travel to Africa. After getting your passport, purchasing your ticket, getting the yellow fever immunization shot, obtaining your Visa, budgeting your lodging, food, transportation, excursion fees, tour guides, tipping individuals, souvenirs that come in the form of authentic African clothing, prints, spices, jewelry, etc. one can assume travelers are out of several thousands of dollars. However, what other choice do we have? And keep in mind, this is a once in a lifetime trip.

So here is the good news. The President is not requiring any quarantine at the expense of travelers providing the results are negative. Travelers are only delayed an additional 30 minutes in order to get the results of their tests. Considering other countries protocol during this pandemic, a 30 minute delay is welcomed. Some countries in Africa are requiring a quarantine time of 24 hours up to two weeks for some countries. I’ll take the 30 minutes!

Prior to traveling, passengers are advised to complete a mandatory Port Health Declaration Form using the portal https://www.ghs-hdf.org/hdf/ before arriving at Kotoka International Airport. When travelers enter the site, they have the option of completing the form in English or French. In classic Ghanaian language, the Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service/Port Health Unit asks travelers to “Kindly Fill This Form.” The form is fairly straight forward and simple. Half way down the form it asks for the last countries visited in the last 14 days starting from the last country. It goes on to ask the purpose of your visit, your Passport Number, the Airline you are traveling, flight number, seat number, the person(s) you are visiting in Ghana and that person(s) phone number, etc.

Some may have their views and opinions about all the protocols that have been put in place and we are all entitled to our opinions. However, what we have to keep in mind is “are we really going to let a little discomfort and money keep us from experiencing this great continent?” For those of us that have received “the calling” to come home, we have no choice but to follow protocol, pay the extra money that may not have been budgeted into your trip and enter, because following through and entering the “gateway” to Africa just might change you life forever!

Until next time … may our Ancestors be with us.

Demetra

~The worlds of the elders do not lock all the doors; they leave the right door open. Zambian proverb

I am Demetra Graham Driskell, an African woman born and raised in the United States of America. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and I have worked in the field of Social Services for over twenty years. I am a Mother of three young adults, a Grandmother of two precious Granddaughters and now a Blogger. It is my dream and goal to bring my story of my personal journey to the continent of Africa, raw and uncut to those in the diaspora that have eyes to see, ears to hear and a mind to absorb the truth about this massive continent. Innately, I know this story must be told; it must be documented from beginning to end. And so, as I like to say, the journey begins.