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Ghana has imposed a fine on all unvaccinated passengers seeking to return to the country, particularly during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, delivering his 27th update on measures taken against the COVID-19 pandemic, announced that any person entering Ghana without proof of him/her fully vaccinated or any individual who refuses to vaccinate will from now onwards be fined a sum of 3500 dollars.

Speaking to Ghanaians in a live telecast from the Flagstaff House, the President emphasized that ''communications have been duly sent to all airlines flying to Ghana of the imposition of a 3500 dollars fine for each unvaccinated passenger that is allowed to board the flight into the country. Unvaccinated Ghanaians and residence in Ghana who departed the country before 14th December and who returned by 28th December will be offered vaccination on arrival at the airport''.

He explained the fine is to help in safeguarding Ghanaians against the viral disease, especially in the wake of the new variant, the Omicron.

''These are stringent measures. I know but the benefits far outweigh the negatives. As your President, it is my duty to protect lives and livelihoods. The ravages of COVID-19 have been devastating on our economy and I'm determined to return us to our normal way of life as quickly as possible by helping to defeat the pandemic'', the President stressed.

He also reiterated that ''any passenger testing positive at the airport will be kept in isolation at the designated isolation facility and non-Ghanaian will receive treatment at his or her own cost''.