Sixteen out of 23 airlines have commenced operations at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) since it reopened.
The airport reopened officially to international traffic on 1 September following a further easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Passengers are expected to present a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that is no more than 72 hours old, and take a COVID-19 test on arrival at the airport for US$150, before being allowed passage.
Addressing the nation on the government’s plan to curb the spread of COVID-19, President Akufo-Addo said he is delighted that business at the airport is progressing steadily.
He said that the return of as many as 16 airlines signals that Ghana is moving in the right direction to reintegrate with the rest of the world.
26 positive cases
President Akufo-Addo disclosed that 10,061 passengers in total have arrived at Kotoka since it reopened. And, he said, 26 of the passengers tested positive for the novel coronavirus on arrival.
He re-emphasised the need for the co-operation of airlines and COVID-19 tests at the airport, saying a second wave could have hit Ghana if the testing were not in place.
“In spite of the requirement that all passengers must be in possession of a negative PCR test result upon their arrival in Ghana, a test which should have been conducted not more than 72 hours before the scheduled departure from their country of origin, a total of 26 positive cases have been recorded from the test at Kotoka,” the president said.
He added: “Let us pause for a moment and imagine what would have happened if these 26 positives had not been detected and had been allowed to mingle with the population.”
Commitment to protect
President Akufo-Addo said he is committed to protecting every Ghanaian and will not take any decision that might put any citizen in danger.
“Even though the cost of the US$150 per passenger for the mandatory airport COVID-19 test has been criticised in certain quarters, the value of the test in its speed, accuracy and savings for passengers who no longer have to bear the cost of the 14-day mandatory quarantine in hotels has been clearly established,” the president said.
“Let me assure you again that, as President of the Republic, I will do everything in my power to protect you and stop the importation of the virus into our country, or limit and contain its spread. This is my solemn commitment to you,” Akufo-Addo said.
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