[REVISION HISTORY]

Security and preparedness at Accra International Airport

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-20 16:28 UTC → 2026-10-22 03:06 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. ~~This incident follows previous security concerns at~~ 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 ~~airport, including allegations~~ pooling of ~~extortion~~ resources and ~~efforts to tighten courier~~ personnel with the Cyber Security Authority, the Criminal Investigations Department, and ~~parcel inspections.~~ the Ghana Police Service.

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