16 out of the 23 airlines that operated at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) prior to its closure during the outbreak of COVID-19 have begun operations after the re-opening of the airport on September 1, 2020.

This was disclosed by President Akufo-Addo on Sunday, September 20, 2020, during his 17th address to the nation on measures taken by the country to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Ghana.

He also noted that, after the reopening of the Kotoka International Airport, 26 out of a total number of 10,061 passengers that have so far arrived at the airport have tested positive for COVID-19.

“Fellow Ghanaians, in my last address, I announced the reopening of our international airport, Kotoka International Airport, signalling our gradual reintegration with the rest of the world. Sixteen (16) out of the twenty-three (23) airlines that operated in Kotoka prior to its closure have, again, commenced flights to and from Accra.”

“As at yesterday, Saturday, 19th September, a total of ten thousand and sixty-one (10,061) passengers have been tested at Kotoka. 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 seventy-two (72) hours before the scheduled departure from the country of origin, a total of twenty-six (26) positive cases have been recorded from the tests at KIA,” he said.

Speaking about the USD$150 charge for the mandatory COVID-19 test at the airport, which many have criticized, the President stated how cost-effective it is as compared to the previous measures that passengers had to go through.

“Even though the cost 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,” he said.

He further noted 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.”

Source: Citibusinessnews.com