The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mark Badu Aboagye, says the suspension of some airline services to China due to the outbreak of the coronavirus has severely affected trading activities.
“It has had an impact on trade and the danger is that you do not necessarily have to use a particular airline because somebody may come to China, will make a transit in UK before coming to Ghana. You may not even know,” he lamented.
The outbreak of the deadly coronavirus has already killed over a hundred people and infected more than 4,000 others.
The Ghana Union of Traders, GUTA, has asked its members to suspend travels to China as suspected cases have been recorded in Cote d’Ivoire and Kenya.
Mr Badu Aboagye thus called for broader consultation with stakeholders in Ghana to deal with any possible threat.
“So, I think that all stakeholders should come together to see how we can help resolve this particular issue. We must work together to resolve that issue,” he advised.
While asking his members to stay safe, he added that actions taken by the various airlines were very necessary to protect human lives.
Ghana’s Ministry of Health has announced the creation of health centres to take care of any reported case of the deadly disease.
The Ghana Immigration Service has also introduced a screening system to check immigrants from China into Ghana at the airport.
So far, two African countries; Kenya and Cote d’Ivoire have had separate cases of reported incidents of the disease.
Meanwhile, Mr Shaban has suggested to colleague businessmen and women to seek immediate health assistance when they detect any unusual changes in their bodies.
“We have also advised that all those who recently returned from China, should also be on the lookout for any signs and symptoms of the coronavirus, to report immediately to the health centre for early diagnosis and treatment,” he said. citibusinessnews.com
