The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has taken disciplinary action against two Port Health officers following an alleged extortion incident involving a foreign passenger at Accra International Airport, reinforcing its stated zero-tolerance policy toward unlawful payments and misconduct at the country’s main international gateway.
In an update dated August 6, 2026, GACL said the two officers, who were working inside Terminal 3, were found on August 5 to have charged a foreign passport holder US$40 for the issuance of a Yellow Fever Card, despite the approved fee being US$20 for foreign passport holders and GH¢100 for Ghanaian passport holders.
According to GACL, the officers’ identification cards authorising them to operate inside the terminal were immediately withdrawn and deactivated. As of August 6, the two officers were no longer permitted to work at Accra International Airport or at any other airport operated by GACL. The airport operator also addressed a separate viral video involving a Ghana Immigration Service officer who was allegedly demanding money from a passenger for “breakfast.” GACL said the Ghana Immigration Service had confirmed that the officer had subsequently been transferred from the airport.
GACL management said the actions form part of its efforts to protect the integrity and reputation of Ghana’s airports, stressing that personnel operating within the terminals are being monitored.
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The company urged passengers to “Spot it. Record it. Report it”, and provided a dedicated hotline — 054 217 5636 — through which incidents can be reported by call, WhatsApp or text.
The latest action comes amid wider efforts by GACL to tackle complaints about alleged solicitation of unofficial payments at Ghanaian airports. In June 2026, the company announced a dedicated hotline for passengers to report extortion involving personnel from agencies operating inside airport terminals, including immigration, customs, police, Port Health, NACOC, airlines, ground handlers and private security companies. GACL has also advised passengers to ensure that officials are identifiable through their displayed identification cards and to ask for confirmation of an officer’s agency where necessary.
The issue is particularly significant for Accra International Airport, Ghana’s principal international aviation gateway and an important entry point for tourists, business travellers and the Ghanaian diaspora. The airport has recently been undergoing several service and infrastructure improvements, including the deployment of new passenger security-screening equipment designed to make processing more efficient and convenient.
GACL’s passenger guidance confirms that Port Health is located in Terminal 3 and provides yellow fever vaccination and other primary health services, making the latest incident particularly relevant to international travellers arriving or departing through the terminal. The company said it remains committed to a zero-tolerance approach to extortion, while urging travellers to report suspected misconduct rather than making unofficial payments.
