Ghana Bans Flights From Nigeria Over Ebola Concerns

Ghana has officially banned flights from four West African countries, citing concerns about the rapid spread of the Ebola virus, which has claimed over 600 lives.

Charles Asare, Managing Director of the Ghana Airport Company, said the measure was part of a set of emergency management plans officials are rolling out to combat the spread of the virus. The affected countries include Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Nigeria.

The government there has also implemented strict restrictions on the movement and management of Liberian refugees in camps in the country.

Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Mensah, urged Ghanaians to bear with the government as they work to contain the virus.

“Preparedness is not an event but a process,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has denied that Ghana has banned flights from Nigeria over Ebola virus that is ravaging some countries in West Africa.

The General Manager, Public Affairs of the organisation, Fan Ndubuoke told THISDAY last night that the regulatory authority did not receive any circular from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) or any government agency about any ban.

Also the Deputy Managing Director and Head of Flight Operations of Arik Air, Captain Ado Sanusi told THISDAY last night that Arik Air has been operating into and out of Ghana, adding that the airline’s flight operated yesterday evening to Accra, Ghanaian capital and another flight was scheduled today from Lagos to the neighbouring country.

Last week government of The Gambia announced a ban on all flights emanating from West African destinations as a step towards preventing Ebola disease from being brought into the country.