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4 clusters · 8 sources · 17 days · First seen · Last updated

Security and preparedness at Accra International Airport

Overview

Accra International Airport has introduced enhanced security measures, including luggage pre-screening conducted by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) using scanning machines and sniffer dogs. These updates follow the July deployment of new screening equipment in Terminals 2 and 3, which utilizes an Automatic Tray Return System to allow passengers to keep certain items in their cabin baggage.

To manage these additional security layers and rising passenger volumes, the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has advised international travelers to arrive at least three hours before departure. In response to ongoing safety and preparedness requirements, GACL announced the ‘Falcon Eye 2026’ emergency simulation exercise scheduled for October 15, 2026, to model a response to ‘unlawful interference’.

Following these preparations, Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka informed Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee of a security breach involving drug trafficking. A senior security officer at Kotoka International Airport allegedly bypassed drug scanners by using a staff entrance, avoiding standard screening due to his seniority. The officer reportedly used this access to hand a bag to an individual suspected of drug trafficking.

In response, the government is implementing additional measures to strengthen screening, including the deployment of canine units from the police and military to assist NACOC, which currently lacks sufficient sniffer dogs for independent searches. NACOC Director-General Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey further warned that traffickers are adopting sophisticated tactics, such as purchasing personal scanners to test if narcotics are detectable by airport equipment before attempting to smuggle them. To facilitate inter-agency cooperation, NACOC operates under memoranda of understanding that allow for the pooling of resources and personnel with the Cyber Security Authority, the Criminal Investigations Department, and the Ghana Police Service.

Entities

Narcotics Control Commission · Ghana Airports Company Limited · Accra International Airport · Kotoka International Airport · Maxwell Obuba Mantey

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Ghana security agencies address airport vulnerabilities and cybercrime arrests

    Ghanaian officials have revealed security lapses at airports, including a senior officer bypassing scans to aid drug trafficking, and warned that traffickers are using personal scanners to evade detection.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    NACOC clarifies new baggage screening at Kotoka International Airport

    Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission clarified that new security checks at Kotoka International Airport involve electronic baggage scanning and sniffer dogs rather than physical passenger searches.

  3. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Ghana Airports Company Limited to hold emergency simulation at Accra Airport

    Ghana Airports Company Limited will hold the ‘Falcon Eye 2026’ emergency simulation at Accra International Airport on October 15 to test response readiness to unlawful interference.

  4. [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Accra International Airport implements new security screening

    Accra International Airport has introduced mandatory luggage pre-screening by the Narcotics Control Commission, prompting GACL to advise international travelers to arrive three hours before departure.

Sources

adomonline.com · chale.news · gbcghanaonline.com · ghanaguardian.com · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · myjoyonline.com · sundayworld.co.za · thehighstreetjournal.com

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history