An economist, Professor Peter Quartey, has expressed optimism that economic activities will fully bounce back before the end of the year following the reopening of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
The KIA was reopened for business on Tuesday, September 1 after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said on Sunday that it was safe to do so.
The local economy was devastated by the ravages of the coronavirus pandemic.
But Prof Quartey, who is also Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), noted that the reopening of KIA will lead to a resuscitation of the economy between now and December 2020.
He told journalists in Accra that revenues will trickle in “when some level of imports and exports is done through air cargo and some are through the airports”.
“So you will find out that we have Ghana Revenue Authority even stationed at the Airport; the essence is that they collect revenue. So that is likely to bring in revenue for the country.
“Then of course, the hospitality industry, the hotels et cetera. When foreigners come, conferences are held, others come and stay for tourism and many other things, certainly they will be spending money.
“The hotels and other activities generate revenue, people get employed and of course they also pay tax as well. These are all means by which income is generated, tax revenue is generated, and then the airport itself gets revenue to run its operations.”
He further urged all to observe Covid-19 safety protocols in order to avoid the country recording high numbers.
By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana