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Ghana:  Mandatory Covid-19 Vaccination. Update 10 January 2022.

Having received numerous queries regarding the mandatory Covid-19 vaccination measures in Ghana, we today obtained the following clarifications from the Director of Ghana Port Health:

1. The date from which fines will be applicable

At the request of GPH who wish to make sure that this new measure is fully understood and that vessels have time to vaccinate their crews, the exact date at which the fine of USD 3,500.00 per unvaccinated crew member will come into force is currently under discussion at ministerial level.

2. Vessels at Anchorage

If the presence of a Ghanaian resident is required on board a vessel, even if she remains at anchorage, all crew members must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination or accept vaccination in Ghana.

3. Refusal to Vaccinate

At present, if an unvaccinated crew member refuses the mandatory vaccination, his vessel will not be granted free pratique.   The vessel may be allowed to transfer the unvaccinated crew member to another vessel at anchorage as long as that vessel is not intending to carry out any operations for which the presence of a Ghanaian resident will be required.

4. Vaccine

The vaccine being provided by GPH at the moment is Johnson and Johnson.

Please see our previous alerts on this subject below.

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Article published on 6 January 2022

Covid-19 Fine Suspended

Following the update below, we have just learnt from Ghana Port Health (GPH) that although Covid-19 vaccination remains mandatory for all crew on board vessels in Ghana, irrespective of whether they intend to disembark or not, no fines will be levied before 1 February 2022.

We understand that GPH wishes to give vessels sufficient time to vaccinate their crews.

Unless they can produce written medical grounds for being exempted from vaccination, any unvaccinated crew will be vaccinated free of charge on their arrival.

All vaccines recognised by either the Ghana Food and Drug Authority (a single dose of Johnson and Johnson, or two doses of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna or Sputnik V) or WHO (see this list) are considered valid.

We shall continue to monitor the situation.

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Article published on 24 December 2021

New Covid-19 Fine

Ghana Port Health Service is imposing new regulations and penalties regarding passengers and crew members:

1. From 15 January 2022, all crew and passengers will have to be vaccinated as their COVID-19 Vaccination Cards will be inspected on arrival.
2. Any vessel with non-vaccinated crew/passengers to Ghana will pay a fine of 3,500 US Dollars per person on arrival.
3. After payment of the fine, the non-vaccinated crew/passengers will be vaccinated by Ghana Port Health with a single dose jab (Jonson & Jonson).  This service will be free of charge.
4. All crew/passengers will have to complete an online form and submit it to the Ghana Port Health 24 hours prior to vessel’s arrival. To access to the form, please log in to: ghs-hdf.org/fill.php?1=en.  At present, it is necessary to have proof of negative PCR test to do this.

Tema Port Holiday Arrangements

Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has issued the attached TEMA PORT CIRCULAR advising that the port will be closed on 25 December;

No vessel movement will be allowed and all cargo operations will cease until 06:00 and 07:00 on 26 December.

The circular also lists the safety measures that will apply, particularly with relation to fire risks.

 

Information provided by Budd Ghana (budd.ghana@budd-pni.com)