The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced new measures to help stop extortion and other unacceptable practices at airports across the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, GACL said the decision followed a High-Level Stakeholder Facilitation Meeting held to address growing concerns about extortion, commonly described as begging, by personnel working at GACL-managed airports.
According to the company, one of the key measures is the introduction of a “mystery shopping” initiative. Under the programme, individuals will anonymously visit airport facilities and report any incidents of extortion through the appropriate media channels.
GACL said the initiative is aimed at discouraging such behaviour and improving accountability among all personnel operating at the airports.
The company warned that any staff member found engaging in extortion will face disciplinary action and will no longer be allowed to work at any airport or within its surroundings.
As part of the new measures, GACL has also introduced a dedicated hotline 0542175636, which passengers can use through phone calls, WhatsApp or SMS to report cases of extortion.
The reporting system covers personnel from several agencies and service providers, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Police Service, National Security, Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), Airport Clinic Limited, airlines, ground handling companies, Plant Quarantine, Veterinary Services, Port Health, Narcotics Control Commission, concessionaires, private security companies, janitorial and waste management services, car park operators and foreign exchange bureaus.
GACL advised passengers to include the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer involved, the agency the officer represents and the exact location where the incident took place when making a report.
The company also encouraged travellers to ask for the official airport identification card of anyone claiming to represent an airport agency and to always request receipts for any payments made at the airport.
GACL said it remains committed to working with all stakeholders to protect the reputation of Ghana’s airports and strengthen the country’s position as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.
