Ghana has detected some 34 cases of the Omicron variant at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), according to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR).

In view of this, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has made some modifications to its protocols regarding foreign travel through the KIA.

GHS has directed that all persons 18 years and above arriving in Ghana from December 12 must provide proof of full vaccination, however, all unvaccinated Ghanaians and residents who are currently outside the country and intend to return within 14 days from the midnight of 12th December, 2021 are exempted.

Government has also indicated that the safety protocols will be enforced at public gatherings. This is to combat the spread of the virus, particularly the new variant.

Today on Newsfile, host, Samson Lardy Anyenini and his panelists found out if Africa will be fortunate to escape the clutches of the Omicron variant during the Yuletide season and the necessary steps to put in place.

Also, the Coalition of Commercial Transport Owners on Monday embarked on an indefinite strike action to protest high fuel prices. The strike action was suspended during the day after consultation with government.

Following this, GOIL reduced its fuel prices at the pumps but Deputy Energy Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer has stated that government did not issue such a directive to the company.

The Coalition wants government to scrap taxes like the Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy, Special Petroleum Tax, the Energy Recovery Debt Levy and the Sanitation levy.

Meanwhile, the country is recording an increase in road accidents. Information from the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD) reveals that 2,608 people have been killed in road traffic accidents between January and November this year. 

In the Ashanti Region, 534 people have been killed with 3,438 people injured.

The show looked into how the concerns of the Coalition can be addressed as well as suggest initiatives to ensure the number of road carnages does not skyrocket in December.