President John Dramani Mahama has endorsed measures by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other agencies to curb the practice of airport workers soliciting or begging visitors for tips.
He said the practice damages Ghana’s image among international travellers and urged workers in the aviation sector to demonstrate professionalism, discipline and good hospitality.
President Mahama made the remarks on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at a sod-cutting ceremony for the Multi-Tiered, Multi-Purpose Car Park and Airport Hotels Complex at the Accra International Airport.
According to the President, every interaction between a visitor and an airport worker can shape perceptions about Ghana, whether at immigration, baggage handling, traffic management or other service points.
“I’m happy that the Ghana Airports Company Limited and the Civil Aviation Authority and other institutions working at the airport are taking a tough stance against soliciting and begging visitors for tips. It reflects very badly on our country,” he said.
President Mahama stressed that workers in the aviation sector must prioritise professionalism and courtesy to ensure visitors have a positive experience from the moment they arrive in Ghana.
“Every institution and every worker at this airport contributes to Ghana’s image,” he said.
He noted that the manner in which visitors are received at immigration, the efficiency of baggage services, cleanliness and the conduct of service providers all contribute to their first and final impressions of the country.
As part of the crackdown, GACL has dismissed two car park workers over alleged incidents of soliciting tips from passengers.
Meanwhile, the planned airport development is expected to feature two hotels, more than 2,000 parking spaces, a pedestrian link to the terminal and a shopping mall equipped with a food court, retail and office facilities.
The project will also include a sky lounge and sky observatory offering views of aircraft operations.
Also read:
