President of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr. Frank Serebour, has expressed strong criticism towards the management of Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi for imposing a GH¢5.00 drop-off fee.

He questioned the rationale behind charging passengers in Kumasi when similar services are provided for free in Accra.

In an interview with Franklin Osei Gyasi, Dr. Serebour argued that the 30-minute parking justification for the fee is unreasonable, as passengers who are simply dropping off do not require parking.

“Why is it that in Accra, drop-offs are free, but in Kumasi, you pay GH¢5.00 for drop-offs, supposedly due to 30 minutes of parking?

“What are we using the 30 minutes of parking for? If you’re dropping someone off, you don’t need 30 minutes of parking.”

Dr. Serebour suggested that the airport management should consider alternative arrangements for those who need parking while exempting drop-off services from the fee.

He indicated, “Are we not human? If it’s a drop-off, it should be free of charge.”

He added, “They should make an arrangement where those who need 30 minutes of parking can go and park, and pay for that service. But someone who is simply dropping off should be free.”

He emphasized that as an international airport, Prempeh I should operate under the same principles as other airports in Ghana, including the one in Accra, where drop-off services are provided free of charge.

“It is unfair to have different standards. As an international airport, the same principles that apply in Accra should also apply here, as it appears that we are being cheated,” he fumed.

Dr. Serebour’s criticism highlights concerns about fairness and consistency in the airport’s pricing policies.