“I will call on the President, supported by his Ministers of Health and Interior, to take urgent practical steps to reopen Ghana’s land borders, allowing for free movement of persons and goods across ECOWAS and around the world,” Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu said.
Haruna Iddrisu, speaking to the press on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, urged the government to take immediate action to open the borders, allowing people who trade across land borders access.
While admitting that the world is not yet out of the woods, he stated that normalcy should be restored with the movement of goods and services across land borders.
He went on to say that the government has no justification for continuing to close land borders.
“We are not out of the woods yet after COVID-19, but we want to see a return to normalcy with the movement of goods and services through our borders, and thus no matter what proactive measures the government wants to take, there can be no justification for the continued closure of the land borders.”
“As a result, we, the Minority, call on the President, as Chair of ECOWAS, to do the necessary, giving meaning to the resolution he so enthusiastically supported.”
Furthermore, in his press address, the Member of Parliament for Tamale South stated that the COVID-19 test charged by Frontiers at the Kotoka International Airports to Ghanaians and international travelers is a rip-off and should be reviewed and made free for Ghanaian citizens.
“There is no way in the world that anyone would pay $150 for a COVID-19 test.” The minimum payment is $50, with a maximum of $100. We do not believe that non-Ghanaians should be forced to pay $150 in the name of a COVID test, whose procurement is questionable, and raises eyebrows about the fact that Covid is being used as a caveat to make money rather than combating a pandemic.
“We think this is a rip-off and far too expensive.” Even $50 is too much for Ghanaian citizens. Ghanaians should be able to access it for free. I intend to introduce a motion very soon, with the support of Hon. Ablakwa and Hon. Akandoh, to demand accountability from Frontiers in order to account for all $150 dollars charged to travelers.”
Land borders have been closed since 2020 as part of measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, as have those of other countries.
However, two years later, the borders remain closed, despite the relaxation of other restrictive measures.
Restrictions were imposed on the number of people who could attend public events such as weddings and funerals; church services were shortened; and social distancing was strictly enforced.
With the exception of land borders, these restrictions have been relaxed.
