Passengers travelling through Kotoka International Airport will no longer be required to remove shoes and belts during security screening from August, as the government introduces new measures to modernise airport operations and improve passenger experience.
According to myjoyonline, President John Dramani Mahama announced that new security screening equipment is being installed at the airport to strengthen aviation security while reducing inconvenience to travellers.
According to the President, modern technology forms part of broader efforts to position Ghana as a leading aviation and travel hub in the West African subregion.
Speaking on Monday at the launch of Ghana’s new electronic visa (E-visa) system at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, President Mahama said the upgraded systems would significantly ease passenger movement through the country’s main international gateway.
“We are receiving and installing new equipment that will spare travellers using our airports the inconvenience of having to remove their shoes and their belts,” the President stated.
The announcement was greeted with excitement among stakeholders in the aviation and tourism sectors, many of whom have long advocated modern passenger-friendly screening systems comparable to those used in major international airports across Europe, Asia and North America.
The move is expected to shorten queues at security checkpoints, improve passenger processing times and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness as a preferred transit and tourism destination.
The introduction of the new screening technology comes alongside the government’s digitalisation drive within the travel and immigration sectors, including the rollout of the E-visa platform aimed at simplifying entry procedures for international visitors.
The E-visa system is expected to reduce bureaucratic delays associated with traditional visa applications while boosting tourism, investment and business travel into Ghana.
President Mahama reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the country into a modern aviation and logistics hub through strategic investments in airport infrastructure, digital systems and passenger services.
