Ghanaian multiple award-winning dancehall artiste Stonebwoy Burniton has appealed to the government of Ghana to consider reducing the $150 Covid-19 test fees for all arriving passengers at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
On Tuesday, September 1, the mandatory tests for passengers came into force following the reopening of Ghana’s airport after almost six months of closure.
However, many have questioned the considerations that went into the arrival on the $150 fees for the PCR tests.
The government had mounted a spirited defence at the charge, saying it is on the average as compared to countries running similar tests.
But, Stonebwoy, speaking to Babiee Adjoa Dappah in a special interview on Max TV, said “It is all about the corona test fees. I wouldn’t be the first person to show face of addressing or presenting my submission or submitting my plea. This is because this is not a fine thing.”
“I actually feel that $150 dollars is actually on the high side. The corona situation has affected everybody, we know the level of employment and all that, from when it began people were given food and I also gave somethings,” Stonebwoy added.
He further said “We haven’t found vaccines and life has not come back to normal. But, I will manage. Basically we are asking for a reduction. Also I would really want to understand and I know that so long as I have a concern many people also share the same concern.”
Stonebwoy said “When I was travelling to South Africa, I did the test and presented it at the airport and was allowed to fly to south Africa. And the same happened when I was returning I paid again.”
“I am not trying to call for attention. But irrespective of the number of times you have to test because you need to stay alive. $150 is the take home pay of some of us. Which is about Ghc800 and Ghc900 cedis a month,” he added.
