Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber for Tourism Industry, Prince Ntiamoah Boampong, says the reopening of Ghana’s air borders comes at a crucial time when plans are far advanced for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) scheduled for January 2021.
The AfCFTA is set to cover a market of about 1.2billion people, and a gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.5 trillion across all 55 African Union member states. The reopening also allows for a proper testing of all the structures necessary for the trade in January 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” Mr. Ntiamoah Boampong said.
He also noted that most African countries are on a break at the moment hence for the AfCFTA’s host country to open its airport sends the message that its open for business adding that, “trade and tourism are intertwined and inter-linked,” and Ghana being a destination for both activities will help strengthen the tourism industry.
“After our Africa Digitization 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 concluded.
Meanwhile, all necessary protocols have been put in place at the Kotoka International Airport to accommodate all visiting passengers who will have to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, taken not more than 72 hours before departure to Ghana. Wearing of face masks is compulsory for all disembarking passengers.
Follow Us
I’m Deborah Aba Narkoah. I’m an avid reader, writer and public speaker.
