Passengers travelling through the Accra International Airport will, from August this year, no longer be required to remove their shoes and belts during routine security screening, as government introduces new measures to modernise airport operations and improve passenger convenience.
President John Dramani Mahama announced that advanced security screening equipment is being installed at the airport to enhance aviation security while reducing delays and inconvenience for travellers.
He explained that the deployment of modern technology is part of a broader agenda to position Ghana as a leading aviation and travel hub in the West African subregion.
Speaking on Monday at the launch of Ghana’s new electronic visa (E-visa) system at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, President Mahama said the upgraded systems would significantly improve passenger flow at the country’s main international gateway.
“We are receiving and installing new equipment that will spare travellers using our airports the inconvenience of having to remove their shoes and their belts,” the President stated.
The announcement has been welcomed by stakeholders in the aviation and tourism sectors, many of whom have long called for modern, passenger-friendly screening systems similar to those used in major international airports across Europe, Asia and North America.
The new system is expected to reduce congestion at security checkpoints, shorten queues, and improve overall passenger processing times, thereby boosting Ghana’s competitiveness as a preferred transit and tourism destination.
The upgrade forms part of the government’s broader digitalisation agenda within the travel and immigration sector, including the rollout of the E-visa platform designed to simplify entry procedures for international visitors.
The E-visa system is expected to cut down bureaucratic delays associated with traditional visa applications while promoting tourism, investment, and business travel into the country.
President Mahama reaffirmed government’s commitment to transforming Ghana into a modern aviation and logistics hub through sustained investment in airport infrastructure, digital systems, and passenger services.
The initiative is also expected to improve operational efficiency for airlines operating through Accra by speeding up passenger clearance and boarding processes.
Kotoka International Airport, Ghana’s main international airport, handles millions of passengers annually and remains one of the busiest aviation centres in the West African subregion.
While security procedures requiring passengers to remove items such as belts, jackets, laptops, and shoes have long been standard practice globally, advances in scanning technology now make it possible for airports to conduct thorough checks without such inconveniences.
Government is expected to provide further details in the coming weeks on the rollout timeline, operational procedures, and whether similar systems will be introduced at other airports across the country.
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