By Nyarko Abronoma Walker
The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC), has lifted the ban on the operation of beaches during the Christmas festivities in the capital.
Beach operators are, however, required to ensure that patrons show proof of vaccination or be vaccinated at the beaches while enforcing the Covid-19 safety protocols.
The Greater Accra REGSEC announced the closure of the beaches during the festive season as part of efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19. However, addressing the media after an extended REGSEC meeting, Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Security Council, Henry Quartey asked that all beaches be opened subject to vaccination.
At a stakeholders meeting last week, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council announced the closure of beaches among other directives for the festive season as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, upon further consultations with the Ghana Health Service, the REGSEC has reviewed the directive on the closure of beaches.
Beaches can now operate on condition that industry players will have to ensure that patrons show proof of vaccination before entry. Furthermore, operators are to mount vaccination plants with the help of officials of the Ghana Health Service, for on-site vaccination.
Some beach operators expressed satisfaction over the new directive.
On December 24, 2021, the Regional Security Council ordered closure of all beaches in the region, in a bid to curtail spread of the new deadly variant-Omicron. Since then, players in the industry expressed dissatisfaction over the directive citing negative economic effects.
