No one consulted me on $150 charge for COVID-19 tests at KIA - Ayorkor Botchway
- Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has stated that she was not part of the discussions to peg the COVID-19 testing fee at $150 at the KIA
- The Foreign Affairs Minister-designate said she was only made aware of the $50 COVID-19 test for ECOWAS citizens
- She however, justified the $50 charge for ECOWAS nationals, saying it is the standard practice across the globe
OUR MANIFESTO: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in
The Foreign Affairs Minister-designate, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has stated that she was not part of the discussions to peg the COVID-19 testing fee at $150 at the Kotoka International Airport.
According to her, she was only made aware of the $50 COVID-19 test for ECOWAS citizens.
“I was not consulted on the $150 antigen test charge at the KIA but I know at ECOWAS, a decision was taken for its citizens throughout member states to pay $50 for the COVID-19 test,” she said.
Source: UGC
She made this known during her vetting by Parliament’s Appointment Committee on Thursday, February 11, 2021.
Ayorkor Botchwey justified the $50 charge for ECOWAS nationals, saying it is the standard practice across the globe.
“I think it is okay. Even in Europe, there are some charges left to citizens within the zone and a different one for the people outside of it.,” she said.
Some concerned stakeholders have criticised the government for maintaining the $150 COVID-19 testing fee for non-ECOWAS members.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his 23rd COVID-19 address to the nation, clarified the charges for Covid-19 PCR test at the Kotoka International Airport.
According to the him, only Ghanaian and ECOWAS citizens will pay 50 dollars instead of the 150 dollar charge.
He added that foreign nationals who are not within ECOWAS will be made to pay $150 dollars for the Covid-19 PCR test.
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that the price reduction for COVID-19 testing for ECOWAS nationals will from Monday, February 8, 2021, take effect according to the Ghana Airport Company.
Instead of $150, travelers from other West African countries are expected to pay $50 for their test upon their arrival at the Kotoka International Airport.
In a report filed by Citinews, the GAC stated that the payment must be made online, and with a receipt shown to the airline before boarding their flight.
Enjoy reading our stories?
Join YEN.com.gh's Telegram channel!
Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news!
Source: YEN.com.gh
