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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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Herbal cures for panic attacks: all the facts and more

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It is critical to understand that panic episodes are a normal stress response and are not dangerous. You may learn to manage panic episodes and minimise their frequency and intensity with training and the correct tactics.

A range of herbal remedies can help reduce panic attack symptoms. Consider the following options:

  • Valerian root has long been used to treat insomnia and anxiety. It may reduce the severity of panic attacks by soothing the nervous system.
  • Chamomile: This plant has relaxing properties and has been long used to relieve anxiety and insomnia. Chamomile tea or supplements may help alleviate panic attack symptoms.
  • Lavender: Lavender has long been used to relieve anxiety and tension because of its relaxing scent. Inhaling lavender essential oil or taking a lavender supplement may help relieve panic attack symptoms.
  • Kava kava: For centuries, the Pacific Islands have used this plant to relieve anxiety and tension. It may reduce the severity of panic attacks by soothing the nervous system.

It should be noted that these herbs should not be used in place of professional medical care. If you’re having panic attacks, it’s critical that you obtain the right diagnosis and treatment from a doctor.

What causes panic attacks?

Starting a new career or migrating to a new location, as well as important life events such as getting married or having a kid, can be stressful.

Anxiety or depression in the family: If you have a family history of anxiety or depression, you may be more prone to panic attacks.

Excessive coffee or alcohol consumption, as well as sudden withdrawal or reintroduction, can cause panic attacks.

Medical disorders such as heart disease or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can also induce panic episodes.

It is crucial to understand that panic episodes can develop for no apparent reason. If you’re having panic attacks and aren’t sure what’s causing them, meeting with a mental health professional for further assessment and therapy may be beneficial.

How can you naturally treat a panic attack?

Deep breathing can help with physical panic attack symptoms like a racing heart and shortness of breath. Take a big breath in with your nose, hold it for a few seconds, and then exhale softly through your mouth.

To comfort oneself, employ positive self-talk such as “I can handle this,” “I am safe,” or “This will pass.”

Concentrate on the present: Panic episodes are frequently accompanied by rapid thoughts about the future or the past. Focus on your surroundings and physical sensations in your body to bring your attention back to the present moment.

Relaxation practises such as progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, and yoga may all help you relax and quiet your mind and body.

Seek assistance: Speaking with a trusted friend or family member, as well as consulting a mental health professional, can help you manage panic attacks.

It is critical to understand that panic episodes are a normal stress response and are not dangerous. They will pass, and the more practice you have at dealing with them, the better you will become.

How can you permanently stop panic episodes without medication?

Seek expert assistance: A mental health professional can assist you in determining the reasons for your panic attacks and developing a treatment plan to manage them. Treatment may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of therapy, as well as relaxation methods or lifestyle adjustments.

Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation are all relaxation techniques that can help you relax and manage stress and anxiety.

Regular exercise can help you reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being. On most days of the week, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking or cycling.

Eat a nutritious diet: Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding processed and sugary foods will improve your physical and mental health.

Get adequate sleep: Sleep is essential for physical and mental health. Get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.

Recognise and avoid circumstances or activities that may provoke panic attacks, such as coffee or alcohol usage, or specific sorts of environments.

It is critical to understand that panic episodes are a normal stress response and are not dangerous. You may learn to manage panic episodes and minimise their frequency and intensity with training and the correct tactics.

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Health Issues After Quitting Alcohol: Everything You Need to Know

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It is vital to recognise that quitting alcohol is a personal decision, and everyone's experience will be unique. It may be difficult at times, but the potential benefits are well worth the effort.

Following the cessation of alcohol drinking, a range of health problems may occur, some of which may be temporary and others of which may be permanent. Here are just a few examples:

  • When a heavy drinker quickly stops drinking, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, anxiety, and insomnia. In severe cases, alcohol withdrawal can be lethal, necessitating medical attention.
  • Some elements, such as vitamin B1, can be inhibited by alcohol, and long-term heavy drinking can lead to deficiencies. These shortfalls can cause a number of health problems, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and nerve damage.
  • Alcohol use can contribute to the development of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, and abstaining from alcohol may assist in facilitating these conditions. However, refraining from alcohol may induce or aggravate mental health difficulties in other settings, particularly in persons with a history of mental illness.
  • Alcohol use can cause considerable liver damage, such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Abstinence from alcohol can help heal some of the damage, but in extreme situations, the damage may be irreversible.

It’s important to remember that everyone is unique, and the precise health issues that may occur after stopping alcohol may differ depending on the individual’s drinking history, general health, and other variables. It’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor or other healthcare expert about the potential health hazards of abstaining from alcohol and to seek medical attention if necessary.

What happens to your body physiologically after you quit drinking?

When a person stops drinking alcohol, their body adjusts to the lack of alcohol. This can cause a variety of physical symptoms, some of which are temporary while others are long-term. Here are some of the things that might happen in a person’s body after they quit drinking:

  • Better sleep: Alcohol can interrupt sleep patterns and contribute to poor sleep quality. When a person stops drinking, their sleep may improve because their body no longer has to metabolise the alcohol.
  • Alcohol contains a lot of calories, and excessive drinking can contribute to weight gain. Quitting drinking may result in weight loss since the body no longer absorbs the extra calories from alcohol.
  • Improved digestion: Alcohol can irritate the lining of the digestive tract, contributing to problems like acid reflux. Quitting alcohol may improve digestion and reduce the number of digestive diseases.
  • Better skin health: Alcohol dehydrates the skin, which can contribute to issues such as acne breakouts. Quitting alcohol may improve skin health and reduce skin diseases.

It’s crucial to remember that everyone is unique, and the physical consequences of stopping drinking will vary based on the individual’s drinking history, general health, and other circumstances. It’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional about the potential consequences of quitting drinking, and to seek medical help if necessary.

The length of time it takes for the body to return to normal after quitting drinking is determined by a number of factors, including the individual’s drinking history, overall health, and the severity of any alcohol-related health problems. The following are some general guidelines for how long it may take for specific physiological systems to return to normal after quitting drinking:

  • Alcohol withdrawal symptoms often peak within the first 24-72 hours following the last drink and can persist for several days to a week. Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal in severe circumstances, demanding medical intervention.
  • Alcohol may affect the brain and nervous system in a variety of ways, and the quantity and duration of alcohol ingested influence how long it takes for these systems to recover. In other circumstances, it may take months or years for the brain to fully heal.
  • Heavy drinking may gravely harm the liver, which is in charge of breaking down and metabolising alcohol. The amount of time it takes for the liver to recover depends on the degree of the lesion and the individual’s general health. The liver may be able to repair itself in certain circumstances, but in others, the damage may be irreversible.
  • Alcohol can irritate the digestive system lining, contributing to illnesses such as acid reflux. Within a few days to a week, abstaining from alcohol may result in improved digestion and a reduction in digestive difficulties.

It’s crucial to remember that stopping drinking may not totally cure the body, especially if the person has been drinking heavily for a long time. Long-term alcohol addiction can cause long-term harm to several biological systems in some situations. It’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor or other healthcare expert about the potential repercussions of stopping alcohol and to seek medical attention if required.

When you stop drinking, how can you know when your liver is healing?

The liver is a powerful organ that can repair itself after alcohol injury. The amount of time it takes for the liver to recover varies on the severity of the lesion and the individual’s overall health.

The liver is a strong organ that may heal itself after alcohol damage. The length of time it takes for the liver to recover depends on the degree of the lesion and the individual’s general health.

When you stop drinking, there are a few signs that your liver is healing:

The liver creates bile, which aids in fat digestion, which improves digestion. You may notice an improvement in your digestion after you stop drinking.

Alcohol is high in empty calories, which can contribute to weight gain. When you quit drinking, your body starts burning stored fat for energy, causing you to lose weight.

Increased energy: Alcohol might make you lethargic and fatigued. You may experience a rise in energy levels while your liver repairs.

Better skin: Alcohol may cause skin to dry out and become dull. You may notice an improvement in the look and texture of your skin while your liver continues to operate regularly.

It’s crucial to remember that alcohol-related liver damage is typically irreversible, so get medical attention if you’re concerned about the health of your liver. It is never too late to make positive lifestyle changes that will enhance your health and well-being.

What happens once you stop drinking?

Depending on their circumstances and reasons for quitting, each person’s life after stopping alcohol may seem very different. Some people may discover that they have more energy and are more productive, but others may find it difficult to adjust to life without alcohol.

You may notice the following changes after quitting alcohol:

Improved health: Quitting alcohol can bring a variety of health benefits, including a lower chance of developing diseases including liver disease, some cancers, and heart disease. You may experience advantages in your sleep and digestion as well.

More time and money: Drinking alcohol may be costly and time-consuming, especially if you do it regularly. If you stop drinking, you may be able to devote more time and money to other hobbies and activities.

Improved relationships: Alcohol can impair your judgement and conduct, leading to disagreements with loved ones. Quitting alcohol may help you enhance your social ties and communication skills.

Increased self-esteem: Depending on your motivation for quitting drinking, you may experience a feeling of success and satisfaction in your decision. This might boost your self-esteem and happiness.

It is vital to recognise that quitting alcohol is a personal decision, and everyone’s experience will be unique. It may be difficult at times, but the potential benefits are well worth the effort.

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South African roadway fissures as a result of the Johannesburg explosion

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South African roadway fissures as a result of the Johannesburg explosion

One of Johannesburg’s busiest roadways has been extensively damaged as a result of a suspected explosion from an underground gas pipeline.

Videos show portions of the road collapsing and automobiles flipping upside down.

According to authorities, one person was murdered and several were injured.

At the moment of the detonation, some witnesses described feeling the earth shake and then hearing a huge bang.

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