Ghana Deploys Digital Technology To Ensure Safe Boarder Reopening

The Minister of Communication, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has announced a digital platform in addition to the existing GhCovid19 app as measures deployed by government to ensure the safe reopening of all regional borders and various sectors of the economy.

According to her, the platform is designed to identify and monitor hotspot events attended by users designed to provide “pandemic digital vigilance in a box”.

“Government is currently working to ensure the safe restoration of all sectors of the country as well as ensure the seamless re-opening of regional borders. To facilitate this endeavour, Government intends to leverage its digital infrastructure to become a pioneer in implementing the African Union (AU) platform – PanaBIOS (www.panabios.org), in addition to the GhCovid19 app which is available on both the App Store and Google Playstore,” the Minister stated in a statement.

All public spaces and places of congregation such as conferences, churches, hotel etc.. will be required to digitally log in all visitors. This information helps to trace contacts in case any of the attendees test positive after the event.

Another feature of the app includes the digitization of Covid-19 test results by transferring data to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) via the app.

“To test this model, returnees on repatriation flights shall commence the use of digital clearance forms generated on PanaBIOS.org to replace current manual and paper based processes.”

“In line with emerging pre-travel health clearance rules; cargo crew and other embarking passengers from Ghana shall be required to undergo Coronavirus testing and electronically append their digital test results in the citizen version of the app for Port Health Screening ahead of boarding and departure,” the statement further explained.

In addition to these, the app allows the digital validation of Yellow Fever Vaccination Books by the Ghana Port Health officers.

Meanwhile, the Ministry indicated that wearable monitoring devices may be introduced to keep track of individuals undergoing self-quarantine as well as frontline health workers coming from Covid-19 hotspots.