In a public announcement issued on April 3, 2026, the Ministry informed all accredited stakeholders that the closure will take effect immediately, with the facility expected to reopen on Friday, April 10, 2026.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform all accredited stakeholders of the temporary closure of the VVIP Lounge at the Accra International Airport to allow for scheduled renovation works aimed at enhancing safety, comfort and overall functionality of the facility,” the statement read.

The Ministry noted that the renovation forms part of ongoing efforts to upgrade key national infrastructure and improve service delivery to high-level dignitaries and official guests.

“The Ministry sincerely apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and reiterates its commitment to delivering efficient and high-quality public service,” the statement added.

Major expansion programme underway

The one-week closure comes as part of a broader, ambitious modernisation programme being undertaken by the Ghana Airport Company Limited. According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, work will begin this month on an ultra-modern concourse connecting Terminals 2 and 3 at the airport.

The new concourse is designed to ease congestion and provide world-class, high-end facilities for the travelling public. It will feature five new passenger boarding bridges, five passenger holding areas, bi-directional travelators, five new escalators and elevators, one VIP lounge, four business lounges, and four new retail and duty-free pods.

The project is expected to take approximately 14 months to complete.

The development represents a major investment in the country’s aviation infrastructure, aimed at positioning the Accra International Airport as a leading hub in the West African sub-region.

Mother arrested for allegedly severing daughter’s toe in Juaboso

Fresh data from the Ministry of Finance, analysed by JoyNews Research, shows the government targeted GH₵1.95 billion in airport tax inflows but realised approximately GH₵1.56 billion, resulting in a GH₵400 million shortfall.

This marks the first time since the pandemic year of 2020 that the revenue line has fallen short of its target. Between 2021 and 2024, airport tax collections consistently outperformed expectations, exceeding targets by an average of GH₵300 million annually.

A breakdown of the 2025 performance shows the sharpest shortfall occurred in the second half of the year, particularly in the third quarter. While the first quarter exceeded its target by GH₵27 million, revenues dipped by GH₵47 million in the second quarter. The situation worsened in the final two quarters, which recorded a combined shortfall of GH₵344 million.

The downturn coincided with a strengthening cedi against the US dollar, which appears to have impacted inflows from the second quarter onwards.

Meanwhile, airline ticket prices for both domestic and international travel are rising, as carriers begin implementing new government-imposed levies aimed at boosting revenue.

Government maintains that the levy is critical to addressing infrastructure gaps in the aviation sector. Proceeds are expected to fund key projects, including a concourse linking Terminals 2 and 3 at Accra International Airport, a 2,000-capacity car park at Terminal 3, and rehabilitation works at regional airports.

The new charges are set to increase travel costs across all routes. Domestic passengers will pay an additional GH₵100 per flight, while regional travel will attract an extra $30 for one-way tickets and $70 for return trips. International passengers will face a $50 surcharge on one-way tickets and $100 on return fares.

However, industry players warn the levy could undermine Ghana’s competitiveness. Some argue it may be a response to declining airport tax revenues and caution that, when combined with existing charges, it could make Ghana one of the most expensive aviation hubs in the region.

Concerns have also been raised about the policy’s alignment with an ECOWAS directive urging member states to reduce air transport taxes by 25 per cent to improve regional connectivity.

The increase comes at a time when airlines are already adjusting fares upward due to rising aviation fuel prices, partly driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

According to the Board of Airline Representatives in Ghana, the country could move from 9th to 3rd position among African countries with the highest airport charges if the levy is fully implemented — ranking behind Gabon and Sierra Leone.

Globally, average airport charges for return trips range between $30 and $34, compared to Africa’s average of about $68, further intensifying concerns about affordability and Ghana’s competitiveness in the aviation market.

According to airport authorities, the works were concluded in the early hours of Saturday, March 21, 2026, with maintenance carried out overnight to minimise disruption to passengers and airport operations.

“The maintenance, including repainting and installation, was carried out at night after the last flight due to the height of the structures and the impact on the car park area, to minimise inconvenience to the public and travelling passengers,” officials explained.

The upgraded signage is expected to improve navigation within Terminal 3 and strengthen Ghana’s position as a leading aviation hub in the sub-region.

The Ghana Airports Company Limited also expressed appreciation for public feedback, noting that input from passengers and stakeholders remains vital in supporting ongoing improvements across the airport.

The development follows the government’s decision to restore the airport’s original name—Accra International Airport—after years of being known as Kotoka International Airport.

In a statement issued on Monday, February 23, the Ministry of Transport explained the rationale behind the change, noting that the facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before its renaming.

The Ministry added that reverting to the original name reflects the airport’s broader international recognition and assured the public that the change will not affect airport operations, safety standards, or international travel arrangements.

It further noted that the airport’s code under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) remains unchanged as “ACC.”

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Transport, the facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before its name was changed. The Ministry explained that it has been considered appropriate to restore the airport to its former and internationally recognised name.

The Ministry assured the public that the renaming will not affect airport operations, safety standards, or international travel arrangements.

It further clarified that the airport code “ACC,” as registered with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), has always remained unchanged and will continue to be used.

According to the statement, the renaming process will involve a systematic update of official documentation, statutory instruments, airport signage, digital platforms, aviation publications, and other related communication materials.

The Government has therefore called on the general public, stakeholders, and international partners to cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. The Ministry also expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their continued support.

The debate over renaming the airport intensified over the past month after the Majority Leader, on February 3, announced plans to introduce a bill to revert the facility to its original name, Accra International Airport.

The move was framed as a way to honour the Ga people whose lands were acquired for the construction of the airport and to address concerns about what some describe as the glorification of an unconstitutional regime change.

The proposed legislative action sharply divided public opinion. Proponents, including Bongo MP Charles Bawaduah, argued that reverting the name would project Ghana as a strong democracy by ensuring that its main international gateway does not commemorate the overthrow of an elected government.

However, the proposal faced strong opposition from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who described it as a betrayal of the Volta Region, the home region of General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka.

He accused senior NDC figures from the region of remaining silent while, in his view, one of the few national symbols recognising heroism from the Volta Region was being erased.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story, he said the ongoing discussions about renaming the airport must consider eminent traditional leaders whose legacy reflects the history and identity of the capital.

“I personally think that somebody like King Tackie Tawiah has done a lot as a chief and as an overlord of Accra, and if his name were to be used, it would be very appropriate,” he stated.

Additionally, he stated that any decision to rename the airport should not be taken lightly, insisting the process must involve broad consultation with the Regional House of Chiefs, where traditional leaders can reach consensus on a suitable name.

“The change should be something which should be done in consultation with the Regional House of Chiefs, where we have our traditional leaders who can come to a consensus on the type of name to be used,” he explained.

He explained that the airport sits on Ga land, making it important for the custodians of the land to play a central role in determining an appropriate name.

ALSO READ:

• Nana Bediatuo Asante opposes renaming of Kotoka International Airport

• Ghanaians need relief, not airport renaming – Kofi Kapito

In a press statement dated February 4, 2026, the Institute highlighted an analysis of the 2025 WASSCE results, which revealed persistent poor performance in core subjects, particularly Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies, alongside disparities across regions and school categories.

While some marginal improvements were noted, the Institute said the overall results point to systemic challenges, including gaps in instructional quality, examination preparedness, learning resources, and supervision.

The statement called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to publicly outline a comprehensive action plan addressing curriculum coverage, teacher capacity, student academic support, monitoring and accountability, teaching and learning resources, and the use of data-driven interventions.

The Institute also stressed the importance of improved student welfare, guidance, and counselling services to enhance focus and academic performance.

Signing the statement, Executive Director Dr. Peter Anti Partey emphasised that improving WASSCE outcomes is critical to Ghana’s human capital development. He called for transparent reporting, measurable targets, and decisive leadership to secure better results in 2026.

READ ALSO:

• Ghanaians need relief, not airport renaming – Kofi Kapito
• APC leader supports renaming of Kotoka International Airport
• Bawumia pays courtesy call on Akufo-Addo after election as NPP flagbearer
• Renaming KIA is not reckoning with history, it’s avoiding it – Kwaku Azar

This was down from 103,387 arrivals recorded a year ago.

On a month-on-month basis, passenger arrivals decreased by 10.5%.

The report pointed out that cumulatively, for the first three quarters of 2025, passenger arrivals remained largely unchanged at 938,210 arrivals recorded at the international airport and the land borders.

This is compared with 941,692 for the corresponding period in 2024.

Ports and Harbours Activity

Meanwhile, international trade at the country’s two main harbours (Tema and Takoradi), as measured by laden container traffic for inbound and outbound containers, improved during the period under review.

Total container traffic increased by 20.6%, year-on-year, to 73,648 in September 2025. This was up from 61,093 for a similar period in 2024.

In cumulative terms, total container traffic for the first three quarters of 2025 went up by 23.2% to 647,536.

This is compared with 525,623 for the corresponding period of last year.

READ ALSO:

• Labour Market Information System developed to provide job info – Rashid Pelpuo
• Driver and mate arrested with 396 parcels of suspected cannabis in Yeji
• Adwoa Safo Foundation donates items to Hopeway Ministries Orphanage
• Ashanti Region set for transformative development in 2026, Regional Minister outlines plans

ALSO READ:

• Woman arrested at airport for attempting to smuggle drugs
• Woman arrested at airport with drugs concealed in baby food

Immigration officers soliciting alms undermine the integrity of airport security and passenger trust. Addressing underlying issues and implementing reforms can prevent this phenomenon.

The disturbing trend of immigration officers soliciting alms at airports has far-reaching consequences, compromising national security, undermining passenger confidence, and damaging Ghana’s reputation.

Ghana’s airports, once symbols of national pride, now showcase a disturbing trend: immigration officers soliciting alms from travelers. This phenomenon raises concerns about corruption, accountability, and passenger safety.

National Security Concerns:

When Immigration officers tend to beg for alms, it compromises border control. This is because the begging officers may overlook security protocols. It also breeds corruption and extortion which creates opportunities for human trafficking and smuggling and a loss of credibility, undermining trust in law enforcement and immigration authorities.

Increased Risk of Terrorism: Weakened border control and corruption create opportunities for terrorists to exploit. Insider Threats: Desperate officers may collaborate with criminal organizations or terrorists.

Compromised Document Verification: Officers may overlook or falsify travel documents for financial gain, allowing individuals with malicious intent to enter the country.

Vulnerability to Exploitation: Officers soliciting alms may be blackmailed or coerced into assisting malicious activities.

Economic Consequences:

The canker of immigration officers begging for alms leads to a Tourism decline due to its negative experiences deterring visitors, and impacting Ghana’s economy, and giving the impression that the immigration system is inefficient and incapable of supporting its personnel. This perception can lead to losing faith in the government’s ability to manage borders and ensure national security.

Begging officers may extort or solicit bribes, reducing government revenue and Investor distrust because perceptions of corruption discourage foreign investment. It suggests a lack of accountability within the immigration service, allowing unprofessional behaviour to go unchecked.

Immigration officers begging at airports pose significant risks to Ghana’s national security, economy, and international reputation and diplomatic fallout which strains relationships with foreign governments as well as causes national shame when citizens are embarrassed by officials’ behaviour.

Begging undermines morale and professionalism, increases passenger anxiety for fear of harassment or exploitation, and impacts Ghana’s position in corruption and security indices. The behaviour of Immigration officers reflects on the country’s reputation, potentially damaging its international image and discouraging tourism and investment.

To address these concerns, governments can provide necessary resources to immigration services, as committed by the Ghanaian government, this includes improving officer salaries and benefits, enhancing training, and strengthening anti-corruption measures.

By understanding how immigration begging for alms encourages corruption, we can work towards creating a more transparent and secure immigration process. Urgent reforms are necessary to address underlying issues and restore integrity.

Source: Shadrach Assan

READ ALSO:

• Greed and irresponsibility fueling galamsey crisis – Dr. Frank Bannor
• Organised Labour should prioritise dialogue in galamsey fight – Dr. Bannor
• Anti-galamsey protesters must face the law, but we must solve menace – Kufuor

This was revealed in a signed statement by the agency’s Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi on Sunday, August 4, 2024.

About 36 parcels of a strong strain of cannabis concealed in six cartons of tins of branded Nestle Cerelac baby food, with six containers in each package were recovered at the SAHCOL export shed of Lagos airport on Wednesday 31st July 2024.

The psychotropic substance has a total weight of 18.50 kilograms.

A freight agent, Salaudeen Suliat Abiola who presented the consignment for export to the UK was promptly arrested while a follow up operation to Ibadan, Oyo state on Saturday 3rd August led to the arrest of the sender of the cargo, Bello Motunrayo Folu at Elewuro, Akobo area of the Oyo state capital.

The Cerelac tins were all factory-sealed at the top while they tampered with the bottom through which they put the substances covered with loose quantities of the infant cereal meal to prevent discovery, an effort that ended in futility as vigilant NDLEA officers were able to foil the attempt.

Data sourced from the latest Auditor General’s Report on the accounts of public boards, corporations and other statutory institutions in 2023 showed that in 2022, the airports generated a combined revenue of GH¢13.13 million from their operations as against an expenditure of GH¢39.14 million.

The deficit of GH¢26.01 million has prompted a re-evaluation of strategies to optimise regional airport development and maximise economic benefits.

The regional airports are the Kumasi Airport, now Prempeh I International Airport in the Ashanti Region, the Tamale Airport in the Northern Region, the Wa Airport in the Upper West Region, the Sunyani Airport in the Bono Region and the Ho Airport in the Volta Region.

 

 

A further breakdown of the data indicated that the Kumasi Airport injected GH¢15.68 million as expenditure but generated GH¢8.22 million in revenue. Tamale Airport on the other hand raked in GH¢4.74 million in revenue but invested a huge sum of GH¢15.41 million as expenditure, while Sunyani Airport accrued GH¢95,626.58 in revenue after an expenditure of GH¢4.53 million.

Surprisingly, the Ho Airport, which generated no revenue, had an expenditure of GH¢1.38 million in its books in 2022, while the Wa Airport generated GH¢77,250.48 as revenue and invested GH¢2.15 million in its operations.

Not commercially viable

The Auditor-General, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, in the 2023 Auditor- General’s Report on the account of public boards, corporations and other statutory institutions sighted by the  Daily Graphic, stated that the unimpressive performance by the regional airports was attributable to low passenger patronage, few domestic airlines currently in operation, and the underutilisation of airport rentable facilities or space for non-aeronautical revenue.

“Section 7 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) states that a Principal Spending Officer shall, in the exercise of duties under this Act, establish an effective system of risk management, internal control and internal audit in respect of the resources and transactions of a covered entity.

 

 

“We conducted an analysis on the operations of five regional airports in terms of their commercial viability and noted that all five regional airports were not commercially viable,” the report stated.

It said the current trend affected the Ghana Airports Company Limited’s (GACL’s) finances considering low revenue generated compared with a high operational cost of running those regional airports.

The report warned that the underutilised airport facilities as in the case of Ho Regional Airport could result in the deterioration of the facility.

AG’s recommendation

The Auditor-General, therefore, recommended that GACL Management should encourage existing and potential domestic airlines to patronise the airports by providing possible incentives to them.

 

 

“We also recommended that Management should embark on a publicity drive to promote and market these airports to encourage more air travellers to patronise these Regional Airports.

“Furthermore, the Commercial Service Department of the GACL should identify potential concessionaires to occupy idle spaces to generate more revenue through rent and royalties,” the report said.

It added that GACL management should liaise with appropriate regulatory authorities to reduce regulatory barriers for potential airlines without necessarily compromising safety.

GACL’s response

The report also captured the response of the management of the airports who admitted that none of the regional airports were commercially viable.

However, the GACL said it was envisaging that with the new infrastructure and the commencement of the international operations, some of the airports in the regions could become viable.

“GACL is also responsible for the provision of related social and public services in all the regions of the country from its own resources. The company is required to invest immensely in all the regional airports in Kumasi, Tamale, Sunyani, Wa airstrip and the new airport at Ho,” the report captured as GACL’s response to a specific question.

“These regional airports are not revenue generating and cannot fund the required development projects which are needed to keep them operational,” the report said. “It must be emphasised that the creation of these non-commercially viable regional airports is a national policy. Airport infrastructure is highly capital intensive and can only be done through retained earnings.

“Developing the infrastructure at the regional airports would create massive job opportunities during and after construction,” the report further stated as the response from GACL.

GACL deserves support

Management of the facilities, however, stressed that in view of the social and economic benefits of domestic aviation, GACL deserved government’s support to enable the company to expand and become competitive.

That, the management said, would also ultimately achieve the objective of providing access for emergencies through air transport in all the regions to make Ghana an aviation hub in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region.

Police clears Minority protest against BoG on July 30

This was after they tested positive for ingestion of illicit substances on Friday, June 21.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Sunday, June 30, the suspects: Aikhomoun Daniel (alias Oladapo Olanrewaju) and Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji were thereafter taken into observatory custody.

According to him, “While Daniel excreted a total of 90 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.022kg in six excretions, Ayigoro discharged 60 wraps of the same Class A substance with a total weight of 662grams in five egestion.

Further investigation revealed that Aikhomoun Daniel actually stol£ the identity of his late uncle who was once based in Germany, a decision he claimed he took to get Schengen visa to enable him free access to Europe, while his real name is Oladapo Olanrewaju.”

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives intercepted 6,125 cartons of codeine syrup containing 1,050,000 bottles of the opioid, worth over N7.35 billion in street value, at the Port Harcourt Ports complex, Onne, Rivers State.

The rain, accompanied by strong winds, brought down the trees, crashing the vehicles completely.

They include a Matiz with registration number GX 747-13 and a Toyota Yaris also with registration number GW 5228-18.

Ghana National Fire Service personnel from the 37 station have since rushed to the scene to cut the trees into logs to make removal of the cars easy.

However, it is yet to be established if there were occupants in the vehicles.

ALSO READ:

• Monday’s downpour collapses billboards in Accra [Photos]
• Billboards, taffic light collapse after heavy downpour in Accra [Photos + Video ]

Watch the video from the scene below:

According to him, this will solve the challenges faced in transporting patients to the Greater Accra region for further treatment.

“Somebody is involved in an accident and unless there is a helicopter, which even takes three hours from Accra to Bolgatanga, but if there was a flight, it would have taken just one hour to Korle Bu and we are missing that due to the lack of an airport,” Mr. Avoka stressed.

Speaking to reporters in Parliament on Thursday, March 14, Mr Avoka also argued that, an airport will address security concerns in the region particularly due to the insurgencies in the Sahel and neighboring towns.

“We share a border with two countries and because of the security challenges in the Sahel, we need to mobilize troops to Bolgatanga and quickly deploy them to the areas if there is a problem which doesn’t exist in this modern era,” he stated.

READ ALSO:

• Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria passes on

• You don’t have the support of majority of NPP members – Nyaho-Tamakloe to Bawumia

• Stephen Appiah flaunts beautiful wife on her birthday

According to the chiefs, Tindaamas, and people of the region, President Akufo-Addo, in the run-up to the 2016 elections, visited the Sumbrungu chief’s palace and made an earnest promise that he would construct an airport in the Upper East Region if he were voted into power.

On behalf of the people of the region, the paramount chief of the Sekote traditional area, Naba Sigri Bewong, said the president reiterated this promise in the Bongo district when he cut sod for the commencement of the One-Village-One-Dam project.

“Having been elected as president and almost ending his second term, we would like to also make a passionate appeal to him to, as a matter of urgency, honour his promise by pooling resources to continue and complete this partly developed site into a functioning airport,” he stated.

In the spirit of development and patriotic nationalism, Naba Bewong mentioned that the people of the Upper East region willingly released 7051.44 acres or 2,8853.72 hectares of land at the Sumbrungu community to the government for the development of an airport in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

But being the only region of the original ten regions without a functional airport or any concrete plans for development, the chief said successive governments have lacked the political and financial will to construct the airport.

“This development is something the community finds very unfortunate given the level of destruction to economic trees and arable land that have taken place at the site, as well as the series of promises made by various governments to the good people of Sumbrungu in particular and the Upper East Region in general.”

People of the region indicated that the construction of an airport in the Upper East region is necessary to catalyze investment and propel the development of the country, considering the discovery of gold, oil, industrial clay, and other minerals in commercial quantities in the region.

The durbar held at the proposed site for the airport featured cultural performances and traditional dances aimed at conveying the region’s eagerness for the realization of the promised airport project.

Chairman of the Upper East Airport Development Committee, Gabriel Agambila, underscored the challenges faced by travellers due to the lack of an airport in the region.

Chairman of the Upper East Airport Development Committee, Gabriel Agambila underscored the challenges faced by travellers due to the lack of an airport in the region.

“Every time our people need to catch a flight, they have to embark on long and stressful road journeys to Tamale. This not only adds to the inconvenience but also places our citizens at risk of armed robbery attacks, particularly during late-night travel to catch early morning flights.”

Stephen Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Minister, commended the chiefs, Tindaamas, and people of the region for the concerted effort to advocate for the construction of an airport in the region.

He said he is engaging with the government and investors to see to it that an airport is constructed in the region.

He, therefore, charged the 15 MPs of the region to back the people of the region in realizing the airport dream.

According to him, the project when completed will boost tourism and trading activities in Cape Coast and surrounding areas.

This comes two years after the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) promised an airport in the Central Region.

This generated a lot of controversy, especially from residents who said it was just an election gimmick.  

Others argue that, the airport, if completed, will make the Central Region a center of attraction in the country.

But speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Wednesday, the Transport Minister said government is committed to its promise to the people of Central Region.

He noted that they have the people of Cape Coast at heart and they would do everything to ensure that the city develops.

Mr Ofori Asiamah said the airport, if completed, will be very critical in the support of what he described as one of the country’s major tourist and economic hubs.

He maintained that government over the years has embarked on massive infrastructural developments to give facelift to various existing airports to meet international standards.

In no time after he was spotted at the arrival aisle at the terminal 3, a thick crowd trailed Davido amid hailing.

Some airport officials struggled to get photographs with the superstar, while others managed to hug or shake him.

OBO, who is known for his generous stunts, proved one more time that he has a large heart by giving out dollars to the airport officials who were present.

Ghana is gradually becoming Davido’s second home, and the reception he is always given is one reason, he disclosed, why he enjoys his stay in Ghana.

Aside vacation purposes, he usually visits the country to secure collaborations with other A-listed artistes.

Watch video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gh Hyper ?? (@ghhyper1)

Gatwick said staff were helping to disembark three passengers with restricted mobility at the time, including the man’s partner.

He decided to leave the EasyJet plane rather than wait for staff to return and fell while going up an escalator, an airport spokesman said.

Sussex Police confirmed the 82-year-old man died at 12:50 BST on Wednesday.

The Gatwick spokesman said the passenger made a short walk to the escalator from the runway to the Skybridge, which takes passengers to the north terminal.

He said EasyJet cabin crew were closest to the man, so provided medical attention before the airport’s medical staff arrived.

An airline spokesman said: “A number of our cabin crew provided medical assistance to a passenger at Gatwick Airport whilst waiting for paramedics to arrive.

READ ALSO:

• Ghana pays lowest salaries, sells petrol dearest and runs highest inflation in Africa

• Female robber forces victim to have sex with her inside car

• Driver’s mate dead, others injured in accident on Kumasi-Accra Highway

“However the passenger sadly later passed away.”

Details are still emerging on exactly how this tragedy occurred at Gatwick but my thoughts are with this poor passenger and his family.

I know all too well the sense of immense frustration as you watch all the other passengers disembark and you are left stranded on an empty plane waiting for ground staff to retrieve your wheelchair and get you off.

This is not the first time a passenger with restricted mobility has taken matters into their own hands.

In August 2017, Justine Levine famously dragged himself across the floor of Luton Airport after staff were unable to retrieve his wheelchair. They had offered to strap him into an airport chair and push him through the terminal but Levine, a fitness enthusiast, declined, saying this compromised his independence.

This latest incident ought, in theory, to lead to better treatment of disabled passengers and those with restricted mobility. But, historically their needs do not appear to have been a high priority at many British airports.

Gatwick said a formal investigation was under way.

It said when the aircraft arrived a member of staff was deployed from Wilson James, a company which provides assistance for passengers with restricted mobility (PRM).

The staff member “was in the process of disembarking the three PRM passengers when the incident occurred,” it said.

“Staff shortages were not a factor in this incident.

“It is normal for one staff member to disembark three passengers who require assistance by taking them one at a time the short distance to the waiting buggy.”

The charred meat was found in the baggage of a passenger from Maryland arriving from Ghana, on April 5, CBP said in a news release.

Bat meat is considered “bushmeat,” which can carry infectious diseases, and is therefore prohibited from entering the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition to bat meat, the traveler was also carrying prohibited plants in his luggage, including 12 pounds of tetraplura, popularly known as Prekese, (a flowering plant from West Africa), turkey berries also known as Kwawu Nsusua (yellow-green, pea-sized berries), and eggplants, authorities said.

The plants were seized and destroyed, and the meat was turned over to the CDC for further inspection, the CBP said. The traveller was released.

“Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists play a very challenging frontline role in protecting the public, our nation’s agricultural industries, and our economic vitality every day against the deliberate or accidental introduction of potentially crippling animal diseases that may be carried in passenger baggage,” Daniel Escobedo, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, DC, said in the release.

Bushmeat has been linked to the spread of Ebola, as humans may be exposed to the virus when hunting, butchering and eating infected animals, according to the CDC. Bats, in particular, have been suggested as one possible source of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite these concerns, the bushmeat trade continues to grow due to food insecurity, among other issues.

Currently, some equipment have been installed with simulation exercise completed.

The scope of work on the Airport includes the extension of existing runway pavement from 1,981 metres to 2,320 metres.

The construction of a new taxi link and apron, as well as two new apron parking stands, is among other essential facilities.

The terminal will have the capacity to handle 800,000 passengers per annum.

Presently, the terminal building is near completion with most installations done, while works on the control tower are in an advanced stage.

Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, during an inspection at the facility, expressed satisfaction at work done so far.

ALSO READ:

• Ghana coach Otto Addo visits hometown after World Cup qualification
• Gloria Sarfo bereaved again just weeks after mother’s demise
• Gabby Otchere-Darko’s post about Otto Addo causes stir

“Of the greatest importance to me is that they have the best scanner which can allow flight from here to move to even the United States which has the most difficult eligibility criteria in terms of aviation; they say the scanner we have qualifies for the requirement of the US Airlines,” he said.

He added: “If you look at the departure and arrival hall, it’s almost completed. All the facilities have been installed but you will need the fire service area, the control tower and others, which once completed, will have a simulation exercise.”

Once works on the project are completed, the existing terminal which has outlived its usefulness is expected to be demolished.

As part of government’s vision to expand economic activities in the city, efforts are being made to improve infrastructure.

Already, a 100km town road project within the Greater Kumasi enclave has been completed by Contracta Construction.

Mr. Osei Mensah says the government is committed to developing majority of roads in Kumasi by the end of its tenure.

“People say they don’t see the roads, it’s because some of the roads are localised. If you are not living here at Kentinkrono, how do you know this road is constructed?

“As you can witness, excluding other contracts within the Greater Kumasi enclave, we are expecting 400km of road constructed. By the time it is done we would have covered many areas in Kumasi,” he emphasised.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, who announced this during his 28th national address on measures to mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic, said these visitors will not be tested on arrival.

“Citizens and foreign residents in Ghana, who are not fully vaccinated, would, however, need to provide a negative PCR test result of not more than 48 hours, will undergo an antigen test upon arrival at KIA, and will be offered vaccination there.

“Ghana’s Foreign Missions have been instructed to make vaccination a requirement for visa acquisition,” he added.

This is the first major reversal to the public health safety protocols since Nigeria started seeing a decline in the number of infections.

The chairman of the Presidential Covid Response Team, Boss Mustapha, said in the capital Abuja on Monday that the change would come into effect from 4 April.

He explained that passengers who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated are still expected to take a Covid test 48 hours before departure, or do one on the second and seventh day on arrival.

He said that fully vaccinated passengers will no longer be charged for rapid antigen tests at the airport.

So far, 255,103 Covid-19 cases have been recorded in Nigeria including 3,142 people who have died of related infections since the beginning of the pandemic.

MORE:

• Russian model who trashed Putin on social media found dead in suitcase

• Popular Ghanaian Vogue editor finally marries longtime boyfriend, Checkout Hollywood stars who attended

• Former NADMO staff arrested over GHS43K salary [Video]

He was nabbed by the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA} for possession of substances believed to be liquid cocaine.

The father-of-four was arrested with 20.75 kilograms of the black liquid cocaine after he failed a narcotic test upon his arrival from Sao Paulo, Brazil through Doha, Qatar to Abuja.

The liquid was discovered upon search of his two luggages stuffed with six smaller bags containing 32-makeup mascara, which tested positive to cocaine.

According to the spokesman of the agency, the suspect claims he was a businessman dealing in children wares before delving into the illicit drug business.

He claimed he met the person who gave him the consignment to deliver in Nigeria for a fee of N2m at a drinking joint in Brazil.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja)

According to reports online, IGP Dampare, who was in the company of people believed to be his wife and son, spotted the woman falling to the ground.

Cries for help were heard from the arrival car park that a woman had fallen unconscious, hence the IGP’s order for his men to attend to her, GHhyper reported.

Witnesses, who gathered at the waiting area of the Kotoka International Airport, looked on as the woman receives help.

Watch video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gh Hyper ?? (@ghhyper1)

The video of the highly entrepreneurial Ugandan citizen hawking grasshoppers inside a plane at Entebbe International Airport before take-off has caused a frenzy on social media.

The 27-year-old Ronald Mubiru has been identified as the man who was filmed selling the grasshoppers.

In the viral video, Mubiru can be seen hawking grasshoppers, to seated passengers from a large paper bag while others continue to board.

Grasshoppers, which are locally known as Nsenene in Uganda, are loved by Ugandans who treasure them for being a sumptuous delicacy.

Meanwhile, Uganda Airlines has since condemned the incident. They have described it as an unruly market experience.

Reports indicate that the staff members were suspended for allowing the man, who had no face mask, to go against the country’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Uganda’s Minister for Works and Transport, General Katumba Wamala, is said to have called for the suspension of the crew members on duty for what he termed as “misconduct”.

“I work with the leadership of the Airlines, and if they see fit that the people responsible when this particular incident happened should be suspended, they should be,” said Gen Katumba.

On the other hand, after the video went viral, Uganda Airlines has announced it will start offering grasshoppers, as part of its special inflight menu. 

Reports indicate that the man went gaga shortly after checking in to travel.

In the video, the man could be seen being confronted by airport officials before he went berserk and turned his attention unto the equipment.

It is unclear what triggered his violent mood but he caused quite a scene that had travellers in shock.

Wielding a metallic object, the man smashed items both in the waiting area and inside the offices as onlookers run for their lives.

As though he was unaware of the situation and his actions, the man suddenly became calm and surrendered to the security officials.

It is reported that he was apprehended and his travel canceled.

Watch video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FameBugs (@famebugs)

Ibeh Kenneth Ejike was nabbed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport when he failed a drug scan.

He was made to undertake a secondary check during which he tested positive to ingestion of illicit substances.

According to NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, while under observation, he excreted 87 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.884 kilograms.

The 41-year-old suspect is said to have arrived on board an Ethiopian Airline flight 911 from Kigali via Addis Ababa.

The suspect, who imports clothes for sale, hails from Owerrizikeala village in Orumba LGA of Anambra State.

In another clampdown, a Lagos-based drug dealer, Eze Okorie, has been arrested following the interception of 4.15 kilograms of methamphetamine consignment going to London, the United Kingdom, at the NAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on August 13.

According to Mr Babafemi, the drug was concealed in tins of tomato branded ‘sunripe’ and packaged for the driver of a freight forwarding company to deliver at the airport export shed for onward movement to the United Kingdom.

The exercise, which came off Thursday, May 20, 2021 midnight, was to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic at the country’s international airport.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the exercise, the Business Development Manager of the Vector Control Unit, Zoomlion, Akosua Konadu Yeboah said her outfit has intensified its monthly disinfection of the country’s airports.

According to her, business activities at the airport were very important and, therefore, the airports space needed to be protected from the virus.

“Also we needed not to interfere with businesses at the KIA, hence the midnight operation,” she explained.

She said due to the urgency of the exercise, her outfit engaged the services of over one hundred (100) personnel to facilitate early completion of the task.
“And to ensure we do not interfere with airline operations and also to finish within time, we brought over (100) sprayers,” she disclosed.

While some group of sprayers worked on touchable surfaces in the arrival and departure halls, washrooms amongst others, the atomiser ensured that the airport environment was rid of any Covid-19 tendencies.

What is more, the fogger machine was used to spray the glasses on the doors to make them uninhabitable for any viruses.

“We have agreed with government to conduct the exercise on a monthly basis to ensure we do not leave anything to chance. We want to be sure what we are doing is holistic and regular,” she noted.

The surfaces of the chairs, door handles, among other surfaces were also not left out in the disinfection operation, as they were cleaned to ensure they could be used the following day.

“Our monthly disinfection has helped contained the virus. So far so very good,” she pointed out.

Being a hotspot, Akosua Konadu Yeboah said conducting regular disinfections is the surest way to curb the spread of the virus.

In a video uploaded on social media, some travellers captured the moment the mid adult was held by security official for allegedly trying to travel without a passport and visa.

Rather than give him a pass at the terminal three, the security official was heard saying “let me talk to you” to the frustrated man and whisked him away.

The video has since generated reactions on social media, with people sympathising with the young man for being a victim of what they described as a ‘failed system’.

Video below:

Mr Asekun was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on his way to London, United Kingdom.

At the point of his arrest, he was caught with a kilogram of cocaine concealed in five pairs of palm slippers packed inside his suitcase.

According to a statement on Wednesday, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said the suspect has been on the agency’s wanted list since December 2020 “in connection with a case involving one Azeez Adeniyi Ibrahim who was arrested with 6.45kg of cocaine.”

Although he claims to be an international businessman who deals in automobiles, investigation is yet to confirm that to be the source of his acquired wealth.

In the course of tracking him, the sum of N131million was seized from his account, and another N14 million also blocked in the account of one of his traffickers, Azeez Adeniyi Ibrahim, bringing the total sum so far recovered from him to N145 million.”

During preliminary investigation, it was gathered that the supposed London-based baron is a seasoned politician.

He was at different times between 2004 and 2014 the vice chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA. He had also contested and lost elections for House of Representatives in 2007 and Lagos state house of assembly in 2015.

The man, identified as Williams Benson, was stopped at the passport checkpoint where it was discovered he traveled from Lagos to London with a fake passport and an illegal visa stamp.

It was revealed the stamp on his passport and visa belonged to a woman, and it is believed he ripped off the pages from her genuine passport.

Faced with the possibility of an arrest, he defended the documents were handed over to him by a good Samaritan in Lagos when he narrated that he was stranded after a visit.

He dropped jaws even wider when he stated his accomplice trained him on how to beat Lagos checkpoint officials, but obviously, his trick did not work on the experienced London airport staff.

When asked for more details to process his deportation, he claimed he is a 15-year-old, born in 2006, contrary to the 1993 on his documents.

He also stated he is a Junior High School (JHS) pupil in Nigeria but a security guard in London.

He broke down in uncontrollable tears amid pleading to be given a pass, with the explanation his life will be in danger in Nigeria, but his plea was ignored.

Watch video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cynthiashalomblog (@cynthiashalomsblog)

The traveler is said to have arrived from Ghana at the John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sunday, April 4, 2021.

Additionally, CBP agriculture specialists also discovered about 24 pounds collectively of prohibited oxtail, dried beef, turkey berry, carrot, medicinal leaves and prekese, a traditional African spice and medicinal plant product.

The CBP in a statement said the Giant African Snail is one of the most damaging snails in the world because it consumes at least 500 types of plants.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the snails also threatens U.S. agricultural resources and causes extensive damage to tropical and sub-tropical environments. It also causes structural damage to plaster and stucco structures. GAS reproduces quickly, producing about 1,200 eggs in a single year.

The statement added that the “highly invasive Giant African Snail also poses a serious health risk to humans because it carries a parasitic nematode that can lead to meningitis.”

“Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists are our nation’s frontline defenders against invasive plant and animal pests that threaten our agricultural resources.

“They face this complex and challenging mission with extraordinary commitment and vigilance,” said Marty C. Raybon, Acting Director of Field Operations for CBP’s New York Field Office.

According to the USDA, the Giant African Snail (Lissachatina fulica) was first found in southern Florida in the 1960s, and it took 10 years and $1 million to eradicate it. It was reintroduced in Miami in September 2011.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, in partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, is conducting a regulatory programme to eradicate this invasive species.

The African Giant was welcomed in the city by important dignitaries and teeming fans.

Burna Boy was in the company of his mother, Madam Bose Ogudu and they were shocked at the mammoth crowd gathered at the airport, ready to welcome him home.

He was entertained with some cultural dance performances.

The homecoming concert was held yesterday, Saturday 27th March 2021 at the EUI Event Centre in the great city of Port Harcourt.

Watch the video below:

She was arrested with 234.35 grams of heroin wrapped in 18 beads concealed in her private part.

The lady, who runs a salon business in Italy, said she was contacted by a man who called her from Italy to collect the drug from a client.

She added the client delivered the illicit substance to her in a hotel she lodged in Lagos early in the morning before she took her flight to Abuja the same day for onward journey to Italy.

She further claimed that the man brought 50 wraps of heroin for her to swallow but she couldn’t, and as such, she decided to insert 18 wraps into her private part and returned the remaining to the man who brought the drug to her in the hotel.

The suspect said she came to Nigeria to raise money to pay for her house and shop rents which had expired in Italy, as life had been so difficult because of COVID-19.

She revealed the owner of the drug was to pay her 10,000 Euro for the successful delivery of the drug to Italy, a deal too mouthwatering to refuse.

Reports indicate the man’s from the United States of America saw his main woman and the side chic at the airport.

However, it is not clear how they were able to identify themselves as the women with the same man.

The duo’s exchange of words turned chaotic as they went physical and engaged in a fistfight.

ALSO READ:

• Drama as ‘cheating wife’ is exposed at husband’s funeral [Video]

• Drama as thieves beg Catholic priest for forgiveness during robbery

In a video fast circulating on social media, the man’s attempt to separate the two women proved futile as punches flew.

Unperturbed eyewitnesses went about their duties while others captured the hilarious moment on their phones.

Watch the video below:

YAWA: Side chic and main chic fight at the airport over their man who is returning from the US pic.twitter.com/BNzNb3YLOV

— GhPage TV (@GhpageTv) November 5, 2020

The exercise, which came off Monday (August 31, 2020), was to pave way, once again, for KIA to resume operations.

It was among government measures to halt the further spread of the coronavirus pandemic, especially in the light of the fact that the country’s first cases were imported.

Speaking to journalists, General Manager, Vector Control at ZGL, Rev Ebenezer Kwame Addae, explained that the exercise, which was the second time that KIA was being disinfected, was meant to kill all viruses hiding anywhere at the airport environment.

He said while the first disinfection was targeted at curbing the spread of the virus, the second was aimed at destroying every virus hiding around the airport environment.

Besides these two exercises, he said regular disinfections would be carried out in three phases at the KIA.

He revealed that this would be done by KIA designated staff members at scheduled periods in the morning, afternoon and evening.

“The morning disinfection will cover the terminals, arrival halls, while the evening exercise take care of all other departments at the airport including the airport clinic,” The GM of Vector Control, ZGL, said.

Rev Addae assured the general public of their safety adding that with the strict observance of the COVID-19 safety protocols, the airport will be safer for the general public.”

The Minister of Aviation, Mr Joseph Kofi Adda, said the government had put in place adequate safety measures at the KIA to protect passengers and staff members from the malignant virus.

These measures, he mentioned, included the installation of COVID-19 testing facilities.
He, therefore, commended Zoomlion for its quick response to disinfect and fumigate KIA and its environs.

Earlier, a deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, addressing a news conference at the KIA reaffirmed that the country has put adequate measures in please to be able to detect possible COVID-19 cases at the airport.

He went on to stress that the measures would will help prevent any infected person from slipping through the radar.

This follows President Nana Akufo-Addo‘s announcement in a nation’s address on Sunday about the resumption on September 1, 2020.

He noted: “we must put the country in the right position to successfully test every single person who arrives in the country.”

He added the Ministry of Aviation and all other stakeholders were working with the Ministry of Health to provide a sure data in that regard.

The GHS, in a statement to the management of the Kotoka International Airport, has since detailed safety protocols to curb the spread of the virus.

ALSO READ:

• GHS speaks as Ghana’s COVID-19 cases drop further

• Kweku Baako reveals when Airport will be opened!

Read the guidelines below:

1.  Ensure there is no congestion at all sections of the airport (arrival, departure and environs) to fail adherence to social distancing protocols.
2. Compulsory mask wearing for all passengers (both arriving and departing) as well as staff.
3. Temperature monitoring to continue at both arrival and departure terminals.
4. Ensure social distancing and compulsory mask-wearing at the car parks and in front of all terminals.

This, according to the veteran journalist, is to allow Ghanaians abroad who would want to register for the voters’ identity card do so prior to the general election in December.

Ghana’s entry points were closed in March this year as one of the measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

“In doing some checks within the corridors of power, hint dropped into my ears possibly, the airports might be reopened 1st September. The land borders will remain closed,” he said.

He, however, indicated that the three land boarders will remain closed to human traffic.

Mr Baako’s revelations come at the time when the election management body ended its mass registration exercise on August 8.

MORE:

• Check out unseen photos from Joe Mettle’s traditional marriage

• Agya Koo drops 2020 election campaign song [Watch]

• Joe Mettle reveals how he met his wife Salomey Selassie Dzisa

In June 2020, a group calling itself ARTICLE 42 petitioned the Electoral Commission to allow Ghanaians abroad to partake in the voters’ registration exercise.

But Deputy EC Boss, Dr Eric Bossman Asare, said the Commission never anticipated some Ghanaians will be stranded abroad to make adequate preparation for them to partake in the exercise.

He said per the Constitutional Instrument governing the compilation of the voters’ registration, prospective voter must appear in person to be registered and it will be difficult for the Commission to have citizens strapped out to participate in the exercise.

The same C.I also makes provision for continuous registration of Ghanaians and persons who are able to get onto the electoral roll 50 days to the December 7 polls will be allowed to vote.

In effect, citizens abroad who are able to get into the jurisdiction within this period can have their voter identity card and participate in the electioneering process.

Nigerians have condemned the Airport authorities and management of a school who took its students on an excursion to the Abuja Airport amidst the Coronavirus outbreak.

A lady, who was concerned about the health of the students, filmed them as they were filed and shown round the airport by some airport staff.

Following the wide condemnation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) via its Twitter handle, said it has banned excursions at all airports.

Watch the video, the reactions from Nigerians and the Tweet from FAAN below:

In a video circulating on social media, D’Banj was left in awe as he spotted the ‘Yung rich negga’ among the crowd of Ghanaians awaiting his arrival.

SEE ALSO

• Strongman posts adorable photo of daughter
• Kwesi Arthur to perform at Legon Cities’ premier league match

Shatta Bandle teased D’Banj, suggesting he had met his ‘meeter’ as the duo shared a warm embrace.

The Nigerian musician pleaded with the ‘billionaire’ to cruise around with him since he is richer than Dangote.

Director of Security at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) VVIP section, Hopeson Adorye has denied media reports that he has been sacked as the Airport security director.

Mr. Adorye’s statement is in reaction to a news item published by the Herald newspaper claiming he had been sacked.

ALSO: Land guard on wanted list busted

According to the paper’s sources within government circles, Adorye’s removal was as a result of accusation that while serving as head of VVIP section of the KIA, he allowed every “Tom, Dick and Harry” to use the privileged VVIP section; a security zone managed by National Security Secretariat, for their private travels abroad.

READ: Audio+Photos: Two dead, others severely injured in gory accident

Speaking on Adom FM’s Morning Show “Dwaso Nsem” on Monday, he said such fake news should  be treated with the contempt it deserves.

Mr Adorye who recently tied the knot with gospel singer Gifty Osei reacting to the report said he is on vacation leave and would resume on January 28, 2019.

ALSO: NAM1’s escape: There was complete breakdown of security – Budu Koomson

“I have not been sacked because am sure If indeed I have been sacked, you would have heard and seen by now a sack letter by now. I want to state categorically that I have not been sacked but if Herald thinks what they reported is true, they should produce my sack letter.”

Mr. Adorye has therefore called on the newspaper to either retract the publication or apologize to him.

It comes after airlines threatened to stop flying there because of safety concerns over the state of the runway.

From Thursday, those wishing to travel to Abuja are being encouraged to instead fly to the northern city of Kaduna, 190km (120 miles) away.

But all but one international airline has refused to fly there.

Ethiopian Airlines is currently the only company offering international flights to Kaduna, which has been hit recently by a spate of kidnappings.

The government has set up a dedicated Abuja Airport Closure website, where passengers can book free bus tickets for the two-hour journey by road.

“The runway has deteriorated to such an extent that it requires complete reconstruction,” the government said.

“This cannot be done at night. Furthermore, the runway has been maintained mostly through closure at night in the past several years, but is has reached a state where that method will not work anymore.”

What are people going to do?

All domestic flights are being rerouted to Kaduna, a small regional airport.

The shuttle bus to Abuja will take two hours on a good day, more with traffic. Like most Nigerian roads it is bumpy but the government has undertaken some repairs on it in preparation for the airport commuters.

On the international front however there are not many options.

Most international airlines said they are worried about security. Some also expressed concern that the equipment at Kaduna airport was not of a high enough standard.

Henrietta Yakubu from the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigerian told the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme that plans had been put in place to protect passengers and to transfer them in luxury buses.

“The police boss has assured members of the public that for each luxury bus on the highway, there will a police patrol vehicle on the front and behind,” she said.

“A police checkpoint will also be set up every one kilometre on the road between Kaduna and Abuja.

Is it safe to fly to Kaduna?

In February two German archaeologists were kidnapped while working on a dig near the Kaduna-Abuja road. That sounded the final death knell on efforts by the Nigerian government to convince international airlines to fly there.

The government has promised extra security on the Abuja-to-Kaduna highway but that will not reassure many passengers or airline bosses.

Even in Lagos and Abuja they hire police escorts for their crew. Southern Kaduna has also been in the news recently over ethnic clashes between farmers and Fulani herdsmen which may put some passengers off travelling there.

However that conflict is further west in very rural areas and unlikely to spread to the Abuja-Kaduna road.

Could I go to Lagos instead?

The airport in the commercial capital, Lagos, has more international flights than Abuja but it would be a 12-hour drive to Abuja, at the very least. Though it may be safer, the Abuja-to-Lagos road is in terrible disrepair.

Some embassies in Abuja have talked about the possibility of flying to Enugu, a six-hour road trip from Abuja, in case of an emergency.

What will the impact be?

It is hard to tell just what impact the closure will have or how many people will choose not to fly. Nigeria’s biggest airline Arik has introduced a reduced schedule.

But flying in Nigeria is incredibly unpredictable anyway, with flights often delayed for hours and then cancelled.

Nigerian air travellers are already extremely resilient and will most likely weather this latest storm just fine.

However, it is also likely to affect Nigeria’s postal service, as 40% of the country’s international mail is transported through Abuja.

How bad is the Abuja runway?

It is bad. There are two major holes in the runway and several serious cracks and bumps.

In August a South African Airways plane damaged its landing gear when it hit one of the potholes. Although no-one was injured, the plane was out of commission for four days.

Many of the major airlines threatened to stop flying if the runway wasn’t fixed.

Why did it get so bad before anything was done?

Successive governments have ignored the problem for more than 15 years. The runway was supposed to be upgraded in 2002 – it was built in 1982 and was only meant to have a 20-year lifespan.

That is because of a cocktail of corruption and incompetence on the part of those in charge. But with gaping potholes now posing a real danger, the problem is impossible to ignore.

source: BBC