Accra International Airport Implements Mandatory NACOC Pre-Screening for Departing Passengers

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has officially launched new pre-screening security protocols for departing passengers at Accra International Airport. Effective October 2, 2026, these measures represent a significant shift in airport operations, requiring all travelers to undergo rigorous luggage checks before entering the Departure Hall. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), aims to bolster national security and bring the airport’s procedures in line with global aviation safety standards.

Under the new directive, passengers will be subject to screening involving both advanced scanning technology and specialized sniffer dogs. This multi-layered approach is specifically designed to detect prohibited substances and enhance the overall safety of the terminal. In a move to further secure the facility, access to the Departure Hall is now strictly limited to traveling passengers. Friends, family, and other non-travelers who traditionally accompanied passengers to the check-in area will no longer be permitted beyond the designated pre-screening points.

To accommodate these additional security layers without causing flight delays, the Ghana Airports Company Limited has issued a public advisory urging all travelers to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to their scheduled departure times. This window is intended to provide sufficient time for the new NACOC checks as well as standard airline check-in and immigration processes. The GACL emphasizes that the cooperation of the traveling public is essential for streamlining airport operations and ensuring a secure environment for both local and international travelers.

The introduction of these pre-screening checks is part of a broader effort by the Ghanaian authorities to modernize security infrastructure and combat the trafficking of narcotics through major transit hubs. By mirroring practices found in many of the world's leading international airports, the country seeks to reinforce its reputation for safety and reliability in the aviation sector. These protocols are expected to become a permanent fixture of the airport experience as security agencies continue to refine their collaboration at the nation's primary gateway.