Some of the Ghanaians who were left stranded in Britain by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease are due to return home today, 17 July 2020.
The movement is being made possible by a collaboration between Ghana’s High Commission in London and Emirates Airlines.
A statement from the High Commission however said anyone who wanted to join the flight must be ready to pay for their cost of travel.
“It should be noted that the affected persons must have paid for the cost of their hotel reservations directly to any of the 45 hotels attached to this departure. Hotel rates attached include boarding, breakfast, lunch, supper and water,” the statement said.
“The High Commission hereby reiterates the following: interested person who are willing to pay for the cost of travel should contact Emirates through accress@emirates.com for fares and further details.”
Mandatory 14-day quarantine
The Ghana High Commission also noted that passengers must be ready to undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Ghana.
It said the passengers would have to bear the cost of the quarantine, which could be extended to 21 days, depending on other factors.
Passengers were also urged to acquire the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) before boarding the flight to Accra.
“Passengers are to carry the appropriate PPE, ie, face masks, before boarding the flight; all passengers also to note that they will cover the cost of mandatory 14-day quarantine with a possible extension to 21 days depending on the individual’s case. The cost of quarantine as indicated … must be paid directly to a selected hotel before passengers are allowed to travel.
“Eligible nationals and resident permit holders are to prepare to pay for their cost of travel to Ghana from Dubai and must submit their details specified below to the Ghana High Commission as follows, not later than noon on Thursday 16th July 2020 – name, passport number, telephone,” the statement said.
Multiple flights
The Government of Ghana has taken a number of steps to evacuate Ghanaians stranded in other countries.
In May, 241 Ghanaian returnees from Kuwait, together with a number of Togolese and Nigerians, arrived at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra.
In June, another batch of 41 Ghanaians stranded in the United States was evacuated back to Ghana.
Two hundred Ghanaians in Lebanon were also recently brought back home after being stranded in the Middle East by the pandemic.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that there are further plans to evacuate Ghanaians from other countries.
E A Alanore
* Asaase Radio 99.5 – now live on your radio. Tune in or log on to broadcasts online.
#asaaseradio
#TVOL
