Two Italians who were set to enter Ghana Monday night were stopped from entering the country, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has disclosed.
The move is part of Ghana’s effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the country.
Europe is currently the epicentre of the virus with more recent deaths recorded in Italy.
“There were two Italians who were coming from the epicentre and as soon as we got confirmation of the details, even though they were in the air, we had to make an arrangement at the airport to ensure that they do not get off the aircraft and that they are returned to their originating destination,” he told journalists Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the US embassy in Ghana has announced it is suspending routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments as part of efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Ghana.
In a statement, the embassy said appointments of such visas is suspended effective March 17, 2020.
It, however, noted emergency visas will still be processed.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in keeping with the Government of Ghana’s efforts to prevent and contain the spread of coronavirus, the U.S. Embassy Accra in Ghana is temporarily suspending routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments, effective March 17, 2020. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided on our website to request an emergency appointment.
“Emergency services for U.S. Citizens in Ghana will continue. Routine services for U.S. Citizens in Ghana will continue on a reduced schedule to ensure the safety and welfare of our citizens and employees,” the statement said.
The move comes hours after Ghana’s embassy in the United States announced it is suspending consular services