Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced a fresh set of measures aimed at stamping out extortion and begging by personnel operating at the
Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced a fresh set of measures aimed at stamping out extortion and begging by personnel operating at the country’s airports, following a high-level stakeholder facilitation meeting held on Wednesday.
In a press release signed by GACL Management and all airport stakeholders, the company said the meeting brought together the various agencies and service providers working within airport terminals to agree on ways to eliminate what it described as an “unacceptable practice” among some staff.
A “Name and Shame” Approach
Among the key resolutions is the introduction of a “mystery shopping” initiative, under which individuals found engaging in extortionary conduct will be publicly identified through the media.
GACL said the approach is designed to discourage such behaviour and strengthen accountability across all personnel operating at its airports. Staff found culpable will face disciplinary action and will be permanently barred from working at any airport or within its environs.
Dedicated Hotline for Reporting
To make it easier for the travelling public to report incidents, management has set up a dedicated hotline 0542175636 reachable by call, WhatsApp, or SMS. The line is meant to receive reports of extortion by personnel from a wide range of agencies and service providers operating at GACL terminals, including:
– Ghana Immigration Service
– Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division)
– Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL)
– Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)
– Airport Clinic Limited
– Air Commerce Forex Bureau
– Ghana Police Service
– Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI)
– National Security
– Plant Quarantine
– Meet & Assist Services
– Janitorial Services
– Waste Management Services
– Airlines
– Ground Handling Companies
– Profilers
– Port Health
– Veterinary Services
– Narcotics Control Commission
– Car Park Operator and Attendants
– Concessionaires (Shops and restaurants)
– Private Security Companies
GACL noted that any report should include the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer involved, the agency concerned, and the location where it occurred.
Passengers Urged to Verify IDs and Demand Receipts
The company reminded the public that passengers have the right to request the Airport Identification Card of anyone claiming to represent an agency at the airport, in order to verify their identity. Passengers are also encouraged to obtain receipts for any payments made at the airport and to report any suspicious demand through the dedicated hotline.
Reputation of Ghana’s Airports at Stake
Management said it appreciated the support of the general public in reporting such conduct, describing the fight against extortion as a shared responsibility. GACL added that safeguarding the reputation of Ghana’s airports is central to its broader vision of positioning the country as the preferred aviation hub and leader in airport business in West Africa.
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