Ghana Airports Company extortion crackdown

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has initiated a crackdown to combat extortion and illegal tip-solicitation at Ghana’s airports, specifically targeting Kotoka International Airport.

To enforce these measures, GACL launched a “mystery-shopping” programme using undercover visitors to monitor staff and service providers. The initiative aims to identify misconduct among GACL employees as well as immigration officers, customs officials, police, and private contractors. The company has established a dedicated hotline via phone, WhatsApp, and SMS to allow passengers to report incidents.

As part of the enforcement strategy, GACL warned that individuals caught extorting money would face disciplinary action and potential barring from airport work, with some personnel being “publicly named and shamed.” Additionally, the company released official parking rates to assist travelers in identifying unauthorized charges. President John Dramani Mahama has expressed support for the measures, noting that such behavior harms the aviation sector and Ghana’s international reputation.