Researcher at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR), Dr John Amuasi says it will be in the interest of the country to reduce the prices of the Covid-19 tests.

Speaking on Top Story on Joy FM, he explained that a decrease in the cost will mean an increase in testing which will go a long way to help Ghana access its situation and how to deal with it.

“What will happen is that when this test is made readily available our case numbers will soar because then we will see the real picture."

"People are going to be testing en masse and the positives are going to be popping up en masse. This should not be a cause for alarm, it only means you are seeing more clearly,” he said.

Dr Amuasi stated that testing will help with the formulation and implementation of policies which will allow the country to be successful in the fight against this virus.

However, hindering the increase in testing is the cost of the Covid-19 tests which many people across the continent have complained about, he said.

“Without the testing, you are literally going in blind. You cannot tell to what degree you need to do things, and you cannot tell to what degree you are successful or otherwise.”

“So it makes sense that calls for a reduction in the cost of testing are made and that people are able to test more,” Dr Amuasi added.

His comment comes after the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the country.

Many experts have attributed this rise to super spreader events like rallies, parties among others held late last year.

Currently, the Ghana Health Service reports that Ghana has recorded 327 new cases since the last update which stood at 3286.

With new numbers coming in the number of active cases now stands at 3613.

Addressing a press conference, Monday, Information Minister-designate, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said the country may be heading for tighter restrictions and a possible lockdown should the Covid-19 cases continue to rise.

He stated that considering the current trend where an average of 200 persons test positive for the virus daily, the imposition of restrictions should be anticipated.