COVID-19 PROTOCOL
Review the US Embassy Ghana Website for specific information https://gh.usembassy.gov/ghana-covid-19-information/
All U.S. citizens in Ghana are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that will allow you to receive regular travel, health, and safety email alerts from the U.S. Embassy.
For emergency American citizen services (death, arrest, or hospitalization of a U.S. citizen), contact ACSAccra@state.gov.
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OVERVIEW:
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Star Service and Study Abroad (SSSA) is not a travel agency nor a government agency.
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SSSA serves as an educational internship program and hosts participants in collaboration with local Ghana non-profit organizations.
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SSSA follows State, Government, and CDC recommendations regarding COVID19:
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Wear face coverings
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COVID19 vaccination recommended
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Use social distancing precautions
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Undergo regular symptom screening and COVID19 testing
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Quarantine if tested positive
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SSSA Staff will accompany participants to their quarantine location, provide participant with food and water, and will provide transportation to the SSSA lodging, or airport, after quarantine
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SSSA is not responsible for the expenses incurred during quarantine
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The following is SSSA’s statement on COVID. This statement is subject to change based on the recommendations and policies of the CDC, Immigration offices, and airlines.
SSSA COVID-19 PROTOCOL
Updated March 10, 2023
To our students, stakeholders, and supporters,
Be it politically, socially, economically, or medically, the safety and well-being of our participants and host community is always our top priority. These very matters are embedded into our curriculum, service projects, and the “do no harm” principles upon which we founded SSSA.
To prevent the spread of disease and illness, we will implement measures in compliance with U.S. and Ghana government protocols. We will follow general best practices per the Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health Ghana, and Ghana Health Services. SSSA covid19-tranmision prevention measures are also in accordance with community consensus and at the recommendations of our NGO partners in Ghana.
SSSA PARTNERS
Our NGO partners in Ghana follow all governmental and local guidelines in their project development and design. We value their commitment to preventing the spread of COVID-19 while maintaining comprehensive programs for their constituents. Our partners received permission directly from schools, teachers, and parents for SSSA participants to work with them. Additionally, our partners have communicated with the Ghana Education Service to ensure protocols and approvals for work with students is ethical, safe, and equitable.
TRAVEL
Organizing international travel amidst a pandemic is an undertaking that we do not take lightly. We developed the following safety measures based off of the feedback we received from our partners, discussions we have had with peers in the travel industry, survey results from constituents in Ghana, and the latest international health and travel requirements.
In accordance with the Ghana Health Service’s protocol, participants must present their COVID-19 vaccine card upon arrival.
There are no COVID-19 testing requirements at arrival in Ghana unless you are not vaccinated. https://gh.usembassy.gov/ghana-covid-19-information/
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The Government of Ghana has set up two phone numbers for questions regarding COVID-19: +233 50 949 7700 and +233 55 843 9868. The Ghana Health Service maintains a website tracking the current number of local cases: https://ghs.gov.gh/covid19/
You will complete a Health Declaration Form during your travel to Ghana. A form will be provided to you at the airport or from your airline.
Unvaccinated visitors must have a negative test report for the Covid-19 PCR test. It is important to perform this test within 72 hours of your travel date. Also, you must wear a face mask during the flight.
ARRIVAL AND STAY IN GHANA
There are no quarantine requirements for vaccinated travelers to enter and travel around Ghana. However, unvaccinated travelers and travelers who test positive on arrival must undergo mandatory quarantine for 7 days in a government health facility location.
Wearing face masks is required in some public places. Wearing a face mask is typically required in public health offices, health clinics, and hospitals. SSSA will provide participants with disposable masks. Participants are expected to bring additional masks with them to Ghana as well. SSSA will provide soap and hand sanitizer for participants, which will be readily available in all classroom and meeting spaces.
If a participant tests positive for COVID19 during the program-dates, they will be carefully monitored by SSSA staff. The participant will be required to consult with a local doctor or licensed medical professional. Should symptoms arise, participants will promptly be taken to New Kasoa PolyClinic for further treatment.
We look forward to taking advantage of our unique program design, small cohort size, local connections, and governmental regulations to have a safe and enriching summer.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Brittni Howard, M.A.
SSSA Co-Founder and CEO