Moved by news trending on the social media that Nigerians are being harrased at entry points in Ghana, over COVID-19 tests, the Eze Ndigbo Ghana, HRM Dr. Chukwudi Ihenetu has dismissed this allegations as tissues of lies.
While lending his voice to that of Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Rashid Bawa, who earlier in the week assured that the required Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing procedures for travellers to the West African country were not meant to harass and embarrass Nigerians, HRM Dr. Ihenetu who is also the Assistant Publicity Secretary Association of Ndieze Ndigbo in the Diaspora said as a sovereign nation, Ghana as a country has the right to take measures within the ambit of the COVID-19 protocol to protect her citizens and other people coming into the country from the deadly virus.
In a statement, HRM Dr. Ihenetu said: “Ghana as a sovereign nation never threaten or intimidate foreigners or visitors that comes into her territory. Wether you are a Nigerian or any other citizen from other countries, Ghana never harrased anybody. It is false alarm.
“It should be of interest to all that cares to know that Ghana is a well- organised country with functional system. As soon as you arrived by air, you are referred to COVID-19 booth where you pay for your COVID-19 test on-line or at the counter as the case may be. When it is your turn, you are called upon and tested. “While you await the results, immigration also check your documents to ensure that it is genuine. Once the result is ready and you are negative, you continue with your journey inbound Ghana. But if it comes out positive, you are referred to the quarantine section where you remain until you are certify ok to continue your trip. It should also be noted that Ghana Government does not pay for the tests carried out on individuals quarantined nor does the country pay for hotel bills incurred while the exercise lasts .
“However, their are cases for instance, when someone may leave Nigeria negative, arrives Ghana in 2 hours time and tests positive, naturally, such individual will argue, but then, it is the nature of the ailment. Ghana as a nation will never bend the rule to favour any individual or country. The person would have to follow the protocol until he or she is certify ok before such individual can continue the journey.
It is also important to note that by enforcing the COVID-19 rules, Ghana as a country is protecting her citizens as well as the individuals concerned.”, he said.