The Transport Minister has revealed that Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) gained $1,157,300 as royalties from Covid-19 testing services rendered by the private healthcare provider, Frontiers Healthcare Services at the airport.

Responding to questions on the Floor of Parliament, Thursday June 10, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, explained that the agreement between the two parties is such that GACL makes $10 out of the $150 charged for every test, while the rest ($140) goes to the Frontiers Healthcare Services.

He further indicated that between September and December 2020, the total amount realised from the Covid-19 testing at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) was $17,590,500.

“Out of this amount, the Ghana Airport Company Limited received $1,167,300 for the same period as royalties accruing from Covid-19 testing. Frontiers Healthcare Services on the other hand, made $16.2 million.

“During the period under consideration, a total number of 117,187 came through KIA; out of this number, 115,730 paid for the testing, while 1,157 passengers consisting of children between the ages of 5-12 were exempted from paying for the testing,” he told the House.

However, the Minority in Parliament has said that Frontiers Healthcare Services making $16.2 million from Covid-19 testing in four months, whereas Ghana earns $1.1million, is evidence that the country has been ripped off in the arrangement.

Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson Dafeamekpor said the Minister’s explanations have exposed the rot contained in the agreement.