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Kotoka International Airport: Services, Covid-19 Protocols & Board of Directors

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Kotoka International Airport is the biggest and only international in Ghana and is located in Accra. It is operated by the Ghana Airport Company Limited and has a record of serving a record 3 million passengers in 2019.

Terminals and Services

The Airport has two operational terminals currently which serve different purposes depending on the passenger’s flight schedule. Terminal two is used for only domestic travel while Terminal three serves regional, international and long-haul operators. However, Terminal one presently has been refurbished to be used for Private Jets and a VVIP lounge. Meanwhile, Terminal three has the capacity for some of the largest aircraft such as the Airbus A380.

Furthermore, the Kotoka International Airport is served by numerous cargo airlines on a regularly scheduled basis, in addition to ad-hoc cargo flights. In 2016, Air Ghana opened the Ghana Airport Cargo Center, a 10,000 sq.m dedicated cargo warehouse facility supplemented by 9,000 sq.m of office space, in partnership with Ghana Airports Company Limited and Swissport.

Covid-19 Protocols & Guidelines

1. Pre-Arrival Processes – Travellers intending to enter Ghana

a. All international passengers including those from the ECOWAS region, intending to fly to Ghana, will be required to be fully vaccinated.

b. Fill the Ghana Health Declaration form here: https://www.ghs-hdf.org/

2. Arriving Passengers – Travellers Entering Ghana

Ghanaians and Foreign Residents

a. 18 years and above arriving in Ghana will be required to provide evidence of full vaccination for a COVID-19 vaccine at the point of embarkation and upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

b. Fully vaccinated will be exempted from pre-departure COVID-19 PCR testing from point of embarkation.

c. Fully vaccinated will be exempted from COVID-19 testing upon arrival at the KIA.

d. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated will be required to present a NEGATIVE 48hrs PCR test result to the airline before embarkation and upon arrival.

e. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated will undergo COVID-19 testing at the KIA upon arrival.

f. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated will be undergo COVID-19 vaccination at KIA upon arrival.

3. Non-Ghanaians:

a. At the point of embarkation must provide evidence of full vaccination status to the Airline prior to embarkation. (Airlines that board non-Ghanaians without evidence of full vaccination will be considered to have violated the COVID-19 guidelines for Ghana and shall be fined $3,500.00)

b. Travelling to Kotoka International Airport with fake or forged vaccination certificates shall be quarantined and returned to the point of embarkation at their own cost.

All Arriving passengers will undergo temperature screening, Yellow Fever Card verification and COVID-19 vaccination certificate verification as required

4. Transit Passengers

a. Passengers transiting and transferring through KIA will be required to be fully vaccinated and in addition adhere to COVID-19 testing requirements at the destination countries.

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5. Exemptions

a. Children under 18 years will not be tested at the Airport upon arrival

b. Children between 10-17 years who are unvaccinated are to submit a 48 Hour negative PCR test prior to embarkation to Ghana

c. Children under 10 years are exempted from pre-departure COVID-19 PCR testing and COVID-19 testing at the Airport upon arrival

d. Airline crew are exempted from the pre-departure and arrival COVID-19 testing and should follow the Airline policy for testing.

e. Passengers who arrive under emergency circumstances such as diverted flights will not be required to undergo testing if they do not leave the airport or remain in isolation in their hotel.

6. Travelling with Pets

a. Travelling with pets into Ghana is allowed in line with guidelines of the Veterinary Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food & Agriculture.

7. Departure Process- Passengers exiting Ghana

a. Passengers departing Accra will required to adhere to COVID-19 testing requirements for the destination countries.

b. Departing passengers will undergo temperature screening at the entrance of Terminal 3 departures

8. Wearing of Nose Mask

a. Wearing of nose mask is mandatory in all Airport Terminals and ancillary buildings

9. Vaccination

Definition of Fully Vaccinated – A person is said to be fully vaccinated when he/she has taken the full dose of vaccines approved and registered by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana.

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LIST OF COVID-19 VACCINES APPROVED FOR TRAVELLERS INTO GHANA https://covid19.trackvaccines.org/agency/who/

SN

NAME OF VACCINE

MANUFACTURER

COVID-19 VACCINES GRANTED EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION (EUA) BY THE GHANA FOOD AND DRUGS AUTHORITY (FDA)

1

Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac)

Gamaleya National Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russia

2

CovishieldTM (Oxford/AstraZeneca formulation)

Serum Institute of India (SIIPL) India

3

COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen (Ad26.COV2. S)

Janssen Pharmaceutica NV

Einsteinweg 101, 2333 CB Leiden,

The Netherlands

4

Pfizer – BioNTech’s Comirnaty (BNT162B2)

BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH

Kupferbergterrasse 17-19, 55116 Mainz

Germany

Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium NV

Rijksweg 12, 2870 Puurs,

Belgium

5

Moderna’s Spikevax (mRNA 1273)

Rovi Pharma Industrial Services, S.A

San Sebastian de los Reyes Paseo de Europa, 50 28703.

Madrid, Spain

6

Vaxzevira (previously COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca) (AZD1222)

AstraZeneca AB (Sweden)

SK Bioscience Co Limited (Republic of Korea)

OTHERS GRANTED EMERGENCY USE LISTING (EUL) BY WHO

7

COVAXIN

Bharat Biotech, India

8

BBIBP-CorV (Vero Cells)

Sinopharm, (Beijing) China

9

CoronaVac

Sinovac, China.

10

COVOVAX™

COVID-19 vaccine (SARS-CoV-2 rS Protein Nanoparticle [Recombinant])

Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd

11

NUVAXOVID™

COVID-19 vaccine (SARS-CoV-2 rS [Recombinant, adjuvanted])

Novavax CZ a.s.

https://covid19.trackvaccines.org/agency/who/

N/B: The first dose of Johnson and Johnson and 2nd dose of all other approved vaccines should be at least 14 days prior to embarkation to be qualified as fully vaccinated.

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10. Traveller Role – Uploading the vaccination card onto the PanaBIOS trusted travel platform

a. Create an account on the AU-endorsed site: https://trustedtravel.panabios.org or on the UNDP-endorsed Global Haven site: www.globalhaven.org

b. Click on the “Trusted Vaccines” tab.

c. Choose user type to create vaccination booklet (self or dependent if uploading for someone).

d. Indicate the country of vaccination.

e. Choose pathogen/disease (SARS-CoV-2).

f. Fill the vaccination campaign column (i.e., Type of vaccines and the number of shots).

g. Fill the vaccination record (i.e. Batch number, manufacturer, vaccination date and vaccination card number).

h. Upload the vaccination card.

i. The system will verify your vaccine records and issue you with a code and a pass.

j. Either the vaccine code or the pass is adequate for travel.

k. The vaccine code or the pass will be verified and validated by Port Health before departure and upon arrival into Ghana.

l. The vaccine code or the pass will be pre-validated by the airline before check-in at departure.

m. If unvaccinated, take a PCR test within 48 hours of your embarkation to Ghana and validate the test result at https://trustedtravel.panabios.org or www.globalhaven.org

11. Airline Role

a. Airline pre-embarkation staff must confirm that passengers have BOTH a Vaccine Code from PanaBIOS and a Vaccine Card before check-in.

b. Airline operators should inspect, and ensure that every passenger shows proof of a pre-validated vaccination certificate (QR Code) from the PanaBios platform before they are allowed to board the flight.

c. Sanctions will be applied by Port Health to airlines who do not comply to the guidelines and protocols.

12. Port Health Role

a. Port Health will validate the vaccination certificate both physically and using the PanaBIOS platform of travelers embarking and disembarking at the airport, seaport, and ground crossing.

b. Port Health will provide technical assistance, supervise, and monitor the airlines to enhance effective implementation.

c. Port Health will apply sanctions to airlines who do not comply to the guidelines:

d. Disembark travellers who did not upload their vaccination certificates

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e. Disembark Non-Ghanaian(s) who are not fully vaccinated per the guidelines

f. Travelers who are found to possess ‘fake’ or ‘vaccination certificate belonging to other persons’ will be handed over to the National Security.

Customer support: globalhaven@panabios.org. Additional information on how to comply with these directives are available at: www.panabios.org/advisories/Ghana

Additional information and guides can be accessed on the Ghana Health Service and Africa CDC website (www.africacdc.org/trusted-travel). Customer service and technical support can be reached via globalhaven@panabios.org

Board of Directors

A nine-member board has ace Ghanaian broadcaster, Mr Paul Adom-Otchere, the host of Good Evening Ghana on Metro TV as the Chairman with Madam Pamela Djamson -Tettey, Managing Director of GACL, Mr Teye Adirackor, Mr Kwabena Mantey Jectey Nyarko, Ms Philomena Sam, Mr Francis Kofi Nunoo and Group Captain Gervase Wienaa as members. The president of Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) and renowned football commentator, Kwabena Yeboah was later sworn in together with Kojo Edyir Danso bringing the total number of board members to nine (9) to serve the Ghana Airports Company Limited.

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Things to think about before breaking a Guinness World Record

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Breaking a Guinness World Record is a difficult but rewarding endeavour that demands thorough organisation and execution. Aspiring record-breakers may improve their chances of success and create a memorable experience for themselves and others who witness their amazing exploits by taking into account the criteria described above. Remember that breaking a record is about motivating others to push their boundaries and strive for greatness as well as attaining a personal milestone.

The desire to pursue or break records captivated many people in 2023, with some reaching viral fame while others went disregarded.

However, attempting such exploits needs considerable preparation outside of the spotlight.

Before going on a record-breaking adventure, consider the following factors:

Think About Your Health

The pursuit of a record sometimes necessitates considerable physical and mental effort. Before embarking on such endeavours, it is critical to analyse your existing health situation. Consider the toll it may have on your body, since inconsistent sleep patterns and hard exercise regimens may hurt your health.

Take into account the available resources

Record-breaking attempts have financial ramifications. Determine if you have the means or funding to support your endeavour. Consider the price of a decent automobile, gasoline, maintenance, and other necessary expenses for certain records, such as a drive-a-thon.

Think about what you’ll get out of it

Recognise the motivation behind your ambition to set or break a record. Common motives include recognition, personal fulfilment, and promotional chances for your company. If the prospective rewards coincide with your objectives, it may be a worthwhile endeavour. However, if the endeavour does not provide real rewards, you should reassess your commitment.

Take a look at the rules and regulations

Each record category frequently comes with a set of regulations and guidelines established by organisations such as Guinness World Records. Learn about these rules and restrictions. Check that you can follow the regulations, as failing to do so may result in disqualification. Wasting time and effort on a project that does not fit the requirements yields an unsatisfactory result.

Prepare for a Positive or Negative Outcome

Understand that not every attempt to break a record will result in immediate success or fame. Prepare for the consequences, whether success, failure, or a lack of attention. Consider how the experience, whether you win or lose, may help you with personal development, skill development, or other elements of your life.

Setting off on a voyage to establish or break a record is admirable, but it takes careful planning and deliberation.

You may make an informed selection and boost your chances of a successful and enjoyable record-breaking event by carefully assessing these elements.

Conclusion

Breaking a Guinness World Record is a difficult but rewarding endeavour that demands thorough organisation and execution. Aspiring record-breakers may improve their chances of success and create a memorable experience for themselves and others who witness their amazing exploits by taking into account the criteria described above. Remember that breaking a record is about motivating others to push their boundaries and strive for greatness as well as attaining a personal milestone.

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Consumers of pepper soup enjoy longer lives

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Food containing 3% chilli powder, on the other hand, reduced the longevity of male cohorts by 9%. According to a study of diet and mortality data from four big, multinational studies, ingestion of chilli peppers may lower the relative risk of cardiovascular disease mortality by 26%, according to a previous research by the American Heart Association (2020). Chilli pepper usage was related with a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 23% reduction in cancer mortality when compared to persons who never or only seldom ingested chilli pepper.

Consumers of pepper soup should rejoice. A recent study by Semaniuk et al.(2022) found that eating chilli peppers regularly, whether in soup or other forms, increases life span.

Chilli pepper fruits do contain phenolic compounds that are structurally similar to those that have anti-ageing activities.

Chilli powder given to diet at doses of 0.04%-0.12% significantly increased the median longevity of fruit fly cohorts of both genders by 9% to 13%.

Food containing 3% chilli powder, on the other hand, reduced the longevity of male cohorts by 9%.

According to a study of diet and mortality data from four big, multinational studies, ingestion of chilli peppers may lower the relative risk of cardiovascular disease mortality by 26%, according to previous research by the American Heart Association (2020).

Chilli pepper usage was related to a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 23% reduction in cancer mortality when compared to persons who never or only seldom ingested chilli pepper.

This research piqued my interest in Nigerian pepper soup and Ghanaian light soups with spicy spices. For example, Jiang TA(2019) discovered that frequent consumption of spicy meals was also associated with a decreased risk of mortality from cancer, ischemic heart disease, and respiratory system disorders.

However, the real effect of spices and herbs in health maintenance, especially in preventing the development of chronic, noncommunicable illnesses, is still unknown.

Nigerian pepper soup has a rush of natural flavours and spices that excite your culinary senses and put your hunger right. It is quite adaptable since it can be created using a variety of meaty meats such as turkey, chicken, fish, and even our nutrient-dense offals.

Adegoke et al. (2015) conducted a study to assess customer perceptions of the gastronomic, social, and health characteristics of pepper soup. A systematic questionnaire was utilised to determine the reasons for eating pepper soup, the chosen type of pepper soup, the social setting for pepper soup consumption, beverage accompaniment preferred with pepper soup, and food categories preferred as accompaniment with pepper soup.

It also assessed people’s perceptions of the stated health advantages of pepper soup’s ingredients. According to the poll, respondents ate pepper soup on a weekly and occasional basis for enjoyment (68.3%) and relaxation (55.8%).

90.2, 85.9, 90.2, and 92% of respondents liked catfish, goat meat, chicken, and cow tail as the meaty components in their pepper soup, respectively.

Colour, texture, and flavour preferences were light or dark brown, thick or light, and peppery and spicy. 97% of respondents chose hot pepper soup, while 65.8% preferred warm pepper soup.

Respondents (66.3 and 79%) chose beer and wine with their pepper soup, whereas 75.9 and 90.7% selected non-alcoholic beverages as accompaniments, respectively, carbonated beverages and juices or mineral water.

The majority of respondents (60.5 8.52%) strongly disagreed that pepper soup held the majority of the health advantages associated with herbs, spices, and other pepper soup elements, showing that pepper soup may not be taken for its claimed therapeutic value.

The nutritional value of pepper soup is usually dependent on the components used in its preparation. The spices and condiments utilised have shown to be useful in medicinal treatments.

Pepper soup is a nutrient-dense, nutritious food. The soup is low in calories and fat, and it’s high in protein.

Pepper soup has a lot of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Pepper soup is not only nutritious, but it is also tasty and simple to prepare. You may make the soup using chicken, goat meat, or yams. Spice the pepper soup to taste.

An article in the Tribune by Eunice Olaleye(2022) stated that a scientific evaluation by Dr Heben’s team on DrHealthBenefits.com concluded that the soup does assist in managing heart rate.

It also aids in blood pressure regulation, preventing it from becoming dangerously high or low. In other terms, it aids in blood pressure stabilisation.

Because pepper soup is an antioxidant, it also drives away free radicals that might cause cancer (Nwose EU, 2009; Agbor et al., 2019).

Pepper soup might help you recover from a cold or cough. There are various therapeutic benefits that you should be aware of.

The soup is also beneficial in chilly weather, according to the author. Hot and spicy pepper soup is crucial for keeping your body warm. It’s a win-win situation. You enjoy your pepper soup while also warming up your body.

According to youmustgethealthy.com, the elements in pepper soup are what make it healthy. Pepper soup contains unripe plantain, fresh catfish, cow skin, beef, or goat meat, which not only tastes good but also contains anti-oxidants.

Consuming pepper soup is one strategy to maintain proper vitamin intake while being hydrated. Because of the spicy nature, one tends to drink a lot of water.

Key Takeaways

According to the literature, pepper soup with local spices has several health advantages. According to a review of diet and mortality data from four major, multinational studies, intake of peppers or spicy spices may lower the relative risk of cardiovascular disease death by 26%, according to the American Heart Association(2020). Chilli pepper usage was related to a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 23% reduction in cancer mortality when compared to persons who never or only seldom ingested chilli pepper.

With this knowledge, fans of spicy spices may include them in their diets in any way to improve their health.

NB: Prof. Nyarkotey follows stringent source requirements and bases his articles on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutes, and medical societies. My posts are for educational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice for treatment. My goal is to educate the public about scientific evidence-based Naturopathic Therapies.

The author is a Naturopathic Healthcare Professor, a Medical Journalist, and a scientific writer. Professor40naturopathy@gmail.com is the email address.

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Accra College of Education: History, Programs and Location

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Accra College of Education is a leader in teacher education, educating the next generation of educators who will play a critical role in shaping the minds of Ghana's children. With a commitment to quality, a long history, and a devotion to comprehensive education, the institution continues to have a significant effect on the Accra and beyond education sectors.

Accra College of Education is a notable teacher education college in Ghana, located in the Eastern or Greater Accra zone. Following the Colleges of Education Act of 2012 (Act 847), the college was upgraded to tertiary status, allowing it to issue degrees in Basic Education. The university recently welcomed 321 new students into its academic community, demonstrating the institution’s ongoing involvement in creating the next generation of educators.

The college’s dedication to practical, scientific-based education is seen in projects such as “Experiment Share,” which attempts to improve science instruction through engaging and exciting live experiments.

History and Background

Accra College of Education’s long history and commitment to educational quality have positioned it as a significant role in Ghana’s teacher training and growth. The institution’s programmes and activities, as well as its cutting-edge Teaching and Learning Resource Centre, highlight its continual efforts to improve teacher education quality and foster creative, practice-based learning.

The college’s willingness to adapt to the changing demands of the education sector, emphasis on practical teaching techniques, and excellent leadership under Dr. Samuel Awinkene Atintono, Principal, highlight its importance in the field of teacher education in Ghana.

Accra College of Education continues to play an important role in defining the country’s educational future by providing prospective teachers with the information, skills, and practical experience required to flourish in their careers.

Academic Programs

Accra College of Education is well-known for its wide range of academic programmes for prospective educators. The institution provides a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programme that is aimed to provide students with the information, skills, and pedagogical strategies necessary for effective teaching. The programme frequently includes specialisations in many fields, allowing students to focus on their individual areas of interest.

Furthermore, the institution may offer diploma programmes in education, which would provide an alternate avenue for students seeking a more condensed teacher training programme.

Faculty and Staff

The quality of any educational institution’s faculty and staff is directly related to its success. Accra College of Education is proud of its staff of passionate educators and professionals who are not only specialists in their disciplines but also dedicated to building a supportive learning environment. The faculty frequently engages in research and intellectual endeavours that help to develop education in Ghana.

Campus Facilities

Accra College of Education provides a welcoming learning environment with cutting-edge technology to improve the entire student experience. These may include well-equipped classrooms, scientific and computer laboratories, a library with pertinent materials, and recreational areas where students may relax.

Campus Life

The institution emphasises a comprehensive approach to education, recognising that the college experience goes beyond the classroom. Accra College of Education has a bustling campus life that includes a variety of extracurricular activities, organisations, and events. These programmes allow kids to gain leadership skills, create long-lasting friendships, and participate in community service.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Accra College of Education frequently forms alliances and collaborations with other educational institutions, both nationally and worldwide, in order to keep informed of educational breakthroughs and global best practices. These collaborations may enable student exchange programmes, collaborative research projects, and faculty development opportunities.

Contributions to Education

Accra College of Education has made important contributions to Ghana’s education landscape by generating a cadre of trained and competent teachers who go on to serve in a variety of positions within the education sector. The college’s effect extends beyond its campus, impacting the quality of education in schools and communities across the country.

Conclusion

Accra College of Education is a leader in teacher education, educating the next generation of educators who will play a critical role in shaping the minds of Ghana’s children. With a commitment to quality, a long history, and a devotion to comprehensive education, the institution continues to have a significant effect on Accra and beyond education sectors.

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