Ghana Airports Company Limited Enhances Security with Mandatory Pre-Screening and Three-Hour Arrival Rule

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced the implementation of enhanced security protocols at the Accra International Airport, mandating that all departing air travelers arrive at least three hours before their scheduled flights. This directive follows the introduction of a new mandatory luggage pre-screening process situated at the entrance of the Departure Hall. The initiative is being conducted in close collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to bolster aviation safety and curb illegal trafficking activities while managing the increasing volume of passenger traffic.

Under the new arrangement, passengers must undergo comprehensive luggage screening before they are permitted to proceed to the check-in counters. This pre-screening phase utilizes high-tech scanning machines and specialized sniffer dogs to detect illicit substances and prohibited items. To manage terminal congestion and ensure a streamlined flow of operations, GACL has also restricted access to the Departure Hall exclusively to ticketed traveling passengers. Non-traveling individuals, such as well-wishers and family members, are currently barred from entering the main departure area to help ease congestion and improve the overall efficiency of the terminal.

These measures coincide with significant technological upgrades across Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. The newly installed security equipment is designed to improve the passenger experience by allowing travelers to keep electronic devices, such as laptops, as well as footwear and belts in their bags during routine checks, unless additional profiling is specifically required. Furthermore, the implementation of an Automatic Tray Return System is expected to significantly reduce waiting times at security checkpoints, further modernizing the airport's operational capabilities.

Travelers are strongly urged to adjust their arrival schedules to accommodate these additional steps and avoid the risk of missing their flights. GACL emphasizes that these enhancements are part of a broader commitment to maintaining international aviation safety standards and ensuring a secure environment for all airport users. As the airport management continues to monitor these new protocols, passengers are encouraged to cooperate with security personnel to ensure a smooth and stress-free transit through Ghana’s primary international gateway.