Africa: Ghana Airport implements ECOWAS standard as it reduces Covid19 PCR test from $150 to $50

To cushion the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and make test affordable to air travellers, President Nana Akufo-Addo has instructed that the price of Covid-19 test at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) be reduced.

According to myjoyonline.com, Ghana’s Health officials and the company administering the antigen test at KIA will be expected to charge $50 instead of the previous $150.

However, the Health Minister-designate, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu who disclosed this on the Floor of Parliament on Friday did not state when the reduction will take effect.

This comes on the back of an agreement by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to cap the cost of testing within the sub-region.

He said this while contributing to a statement made on the floor by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; Pusiga MP, Laadi Ayii Ayamba and Ayawaso West Wuogon MP, Lydia Seyram Alhassan.

The three MPs raised concerns about the havoc caused by Covid-19 in the country and the cost associated with testing.

In response, Mr Agyemang-Manu said the president has instructed that the cost of testing is reduced to $50 from $150 announced when international borders were opened.

The Minister also reiterated that public laboratories have been directed to undertake free testing except for travellers.
On vaccines, he said the president and stakeholders were in a meeting on how Ghana could get Covid-19 vaccines.