The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has categorically denied recent reports suggesting operational and safety lapses at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), describing them as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday, May 23, 2025, GACL management assured the public that KIA—West Africa’s second-busiest airport—remains fully compliant with international aviation safety standards.
According to the statement, key navigational and security systems, such as the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and baggage scanners, are functioning optimally. GACL also affirmed that staff protection measures meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, with stringent access control protocols in place to ensure airport safety and security.
KIA, which serves over 3 million passengers annually, recently achieved a 92% compliance score in the 2024 ICAO safety audit. The airport has also invested $15 million in advanced security screening technologies and has maintained a record of zero major safety incidents over the past 27 months.
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that KIA’s Category 1 safety rating remains intact, while the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has included Accra on its 2024 Global Operational Safety Audit whitelist.
Addressing specific claims made in The Herald newspaper, GACL clarified the following:
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Operational Vehicles: Contrary to the claim that only one vehicle is available, the Airside Operations Section operates with two dedicated vehicles, alongside a fleet of others for 24/7 operations.
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Marshalling Wands: The allegation that only three pairs of wands are in use is inaccurate. GACL maintains a surplus stock of marshalling wands, which are used based on aircraft movement demands.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Staff across both Accra and regional airports have been supplied with the required PPE, including reflective vests, boots, raincoats, gloves, ear defenders, goggles, and safety blankets.
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Communication Equipment: Claims about unserviceable Motorola radios are false. The Airside Operations Section has sufficient handheld and base radios to ensure effective coordination with Air Traffic Control.
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Access to Restricted Areas: GACL explained that access protocols are in place for security reasons, allowing Aviation Security to grant staff entry to restricted zones as needed. Therefore, assertions that staff are unable to conduct inspections due to access limitations are unfounded.
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Staff Agitation: GACL dismissed suggestions of staff unrest, attributing such claims to a few individuals seeking to tarnish the company’s image. It warned that those found spreading falsehoods for personal gain will face disciplinary action.
GACL also cautioned media outlets against publishing unverified claims and pledged to take legal action against those who spread defamatory content.
“Ghana Airports Company Limited remains committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and security for all airport users,” the statement concluded.
Visual documentation countering the allegations was attached to the statement as further evidence.
