Kwame Asuah Takyi
The Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi, has advocated for the inclusion of coronavirus (Covid-19) testing in the International Certificate of Vaccination, otherwise known as ‘Yellow Card’, to strengthen health security.
He made the call last Tuesday during a web-based seminar on the impact of Covid-19 on the Economic Community of West Africa States’ (ECOWAS) free movement protocol and the regional integration agenda, organized by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) under the auspices of European Union, ECOWAS Commission, and International Labour Organization.
The CGI said it would help prevent, protect and contain the spread of Covid-19 across borders and avoid the interference with international traffic and trade.
He, however, advised that health clearance for Covid-19 and other infectious diseases must be strictly enforced as part of requirements for entry into member states when implemented.
Mr. Takyi also bemoaned the nonexistence of health facilities at the various entry points of member states of ECOWAS to cater for the health needs of border officials, who were unwell and exposed to infectious diseases and other ever-changing health risks.