The North P&I Club refers to COVID-19 vaccination requirements for seafarers visiting Ghana following a recent directive issued by the Ghana Health Service, highlighting that it ”remains unclear if and how it will be implemented and enforced.”
This follows the recent changes to the entry requirements for airline passengers that took effect on 14 December 2021 and the President’s address on 16 December which called for all visitors to Ghana to be fully vaccinated.
…the North Club explains.
Although it was initially reported Ghana Port Health would allow a grace period up until 15 January 2022, and after this date, fines as detailed above may be levied, some local sources and Club correspondent McLeans have since reported that the introduction of this mandatory vaccination programme has been suspended until further notice.
The position taken by port authorities can change at any time, and vessels intending to call at Ghanaian ports should be aware that any such suspension could be lifted, and the requirements strictly enforced, with little notice.
… the Club warns and advises operators with vessels calling at Ghana should be mindful of the potential complications introduced by a mandatory vaccine programme as there may be potential employment law issues that require legal advice.