After recent reports, Ghana clarified that while the imposition of fines has been suspended until further notice, Covid-19 vaccination is still mandatory for all seafarers.
As the UK P&I Club informs, after information received from Budd Group, the Ghana Port Health explained that:
Although the imposition of fines has been suspended until further notice, Covid-19 vaccination is still mandatory for all seafarers on board vessels calling in Ghana’s ports or carrying out operations at anchorage which require the presence of Ghanaian aboard
This clarification comes as there were many reports mentioning that Ghana Port Health had suspended mandatory Covid-19 vaccination and associated fines.
Earlier, Ghana had made the following clarifications:
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.
Vessels at Anchorage
If the presence of a Ghanaian resident is required on board a vessel, even if it remains at anchorage, all crew members must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination or accept vaccination in Ghana.
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.
Vaccine
The vaccine being provided by GPH at the moment is Johnson and Johnson.
