Last month, I flew to London on British Airways. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I did not need to take a COVID-19 PCR test to board the flight. While I was still required to fill out a locator form, no additional tests were required of me during my 12-day stay in the UK.
Imagine my surprise when British Airways informed me that I would have to take a PCR test before boarding my return flight home. They explained that this is due to Ghanaian regulations. The test cost £90 to perform. I was also told that I would not be able to check in for my return flight unless I completed an online form and paid.
Last month, I flew to London on British Airways. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I did not need to take a COVID-19 PCR test to board the flight. While I was still required to fill out a locator form, no additional tests were required of me during my 12-day stay in the UK.
Imagine my surprise when British Airways informed me that I would have to take a PCR test before boarding my return flight home. They explained that this is due to Ghanaian regulations. The test cost £90 to perform. I was also told that I would not be able to check in for my return flight unless I completed an online form and paid a fee of $50.
Based on my recent experience with PCR testing and COVID regulations at our airport, I believe it is time for the government to re-evaluate the procedures and protocols. It is inconvenient, financially burdensome, and actually unfair to force our citizens, who we encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccinations, with some getting boosters, to pay up to £90 to a foreign clinic for a PCR test before they can board flights back home.
Even more ridiculous, they must schedule another $50 PCR test for when they arrive in Accra.
The Ghanaian COVID-19 vaccination card is internationally accepted by the UK government, and entry without testing is permitted if you have it.
It is a pity that Ghanaians with valid vaccination certificates are unable to board flights back home without a £90 PCR test and an additional US$50 PCR test booking in Accra.
The government must end the $US50 mandatory PCR test for vaccinated travelers. In addition, the demand for originating PCR tests must be reduced before the same category of travelers is allowed to board flights to Ghana.
The reason for the UK lifting its COVID-19 restrictions is that deaths and severe cases requiring intensive care have decreased, and they believe it is time to learn to live with Covid. I believe it is time for Ghana to follow suit.
Long border closures have wreaked havoc on our border communities’ economies. The announcement by the government that it is deliberating at Cabinet about possibly opening our land borders is long overdue. Let us now open the land borders!
