GHS debunks allegation of fake Covid-19 test at KIA

The Ghana Health Service has dispelled information circulating on social media that antigen tests being carried out at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) are fake.

This comes after two passengers who allegedly tested positive when they arrived in the country went online to express their displeasure about their results and the need for them to go into isolation for seven days.

The women who have been identified as Mavis Boateng and Ivy Ankrah claimed the antigen test that is mandatory for every passenger arriving in the country to partake is fake.

The duo, in the viral videos, alleged that the officials at KIA centres were providing some passengers with positive Covid-19 test results just to milk them financially in the form of detention at isolation centres.

But the Director-General of GHS, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye in a statement out rightly described the claims as false.

He also explained that although some passengers may have a negative PCR test from the country of origin, there can be a possibility of a positive result upon their arrival.

“It is worth noting that a person can present a negative PCR test on arrival and still test positive at KIA because he or she may be incubating the virus. Also, your test result status is specifically with reference to the date of doing the test, so any risky activities afterwards can change your status,” he explained.

Dr Kuma Aboagye further gave the assurance that the Covid-19 testing facility at the airport meets international standards, thus, is genuine and authentic.

“The testing at the airport prior to implementation underwent rigorous quality checks and was found to be highly sensitive. In addition, the FDA conducts regular monitoring of the work at the airport to ensure that it is up to standard,” he added.