Ghana and Gabon suspend official trips abroad

Public officials from Ghana and Gabon have been temporarily barred from travelling out of their respective countries in a bid to prevent the further spread of coronavirus. 

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo issued the ban through a letter to his Chief of Staff Akusua Frema Osei-Opare. 

The letter stipulated that only essential travel by public officials would be considered for approval. 

Meanwhile, in Gabon, the Speaker of the National Assembly Faustin Boukoubi sent a memo to MPs suspending all foreign trips until further notice. 

Both countries have stated that these are precautionary measures and there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in either Ghana or Gabon.

However, Ghana neighbours Burkina Faso and Togo, both of which have confirmed cases of the virus. Gabon shares a border with Cameroon, which has also confirmed two cases of coronavirus. 

Both countries are issuing public advice for citizens to wash their hands frequently and to avoid unnecessary contact like handshakes and hugs. 

Photo: AFP