The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) has distanced itself from statements made by one of its scientists who revealed the US$ 150 Covid-19 test rip-off of arriving international travellers at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA),
Noguchi has said in a statement that it was Dr. Kofi Bonney’s own personal opinion when he made claims that half of the antigen tests to be conducted at the airport may be inaccurate, and that the US$150 price tag for Covid-19 tests at KIA is a rip-off.
“The Institute has not put out any official communication on the Covid-19 testing set up at the Kotoka International Airport,” the statement said, adding that only Noguchi’s Director, Prof. Abraham Kwabena Annan has the locus to speak on its behalf.
Dr. Bonney had spoken last week on Joy FM, revealing for the first time that the COVID-19 tests being conducted on arriving international travellers at the KIA was the uncertain and cheap antigen tests which often produce partly accurate results.
The antigen test, according to Dr. Bonney cost on average, between $10 and $20, however, the Ghanaian government is charging an incredible US$150.
Indeed, checks by Whatsup News indicates that Ghana may be the country charging passengers the highest in the world for COVID-19 antigen test. Most countries conduct the more accurate PCR test for the deadly disease and it cost an average of US$ 150.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that over US$40,000 has been generated from Covid-19 tests since the country opened up for international travel on September 1, in what has increasingly been seen as Ghana’s curious profiteering from COVID-19.
President Akufo-Addo gave the order for the reopening of international travel, claiming doctors had developed a rapid testing system that can give results quickly.