President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said “this is not the right time to reopen our land borders” to enable Ghana can stave off a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections.

Although he admits that the closure of the borders has affected the livelihoods of people who live and trade in and out of the border towns, Mr Akufo-Addo said the decision is to limit the importation of the virus into the country.

In his 27th COVID-19 address to the nation on Wednesday, 15 December 2021, Nana Akufo-Addo noted: “To my fellow Ghanaians living along the borders of our nation, I know of the difficulties occasioned by the closure of our borders”.

“As you know, the decision to close our borders, which are a source of livelihoods for many, was necessary because we wanted to limit the importation of the virus into the country”.

"We are monitoring the level of threat of the disease and ongoing vaccinations in our neighbouring countries, and, as soon as we are satisfied that it is safe to do so, the borders will be open. Until then, I believe this is not the right time to reopen our land borders, especially as we are determined to prevent a fourth wave, and, as such, they will remain closed until further notice.”

The borders were closed in March 2020 when Ghana recorded its first cases of the virus.

The decision was part of efforts to prevent a spread.

Only cargo is allowed into the country.

Residents of Elubo and Aflao borders have been demanding the reopening of the entry points so they can engage in commercial activities since the closure has affected their livelihoods.