Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has intensified its crackdown on corruption at Accra International Airport after removing two Port Health officers accused of overcharging a foreign traveller for a Yellow Fever card, as authorities seek to improve passenger confidence at the country’s main aviation gateway.
The state-owned airport operator said the officers, who were stationed at Terminal 3, charged a foreign passport holder $40 instead of the approved $20 fee for issuing the travel health document.
“Their ID cards to operate in the terminal have been withdrawn and deactivated,” GACL said in a statement on Wednesday. “As of Thursday, 6th August 2026, the two officers are no longer permitted to work at Accra International Airport or any other GACL-operated airport.”
The action comes less than two months after GACL introduced a dedicated whistleblowing hotline for passengers to report extortion involving airport staff and officials from multiple state agencies, including immigration, customs and port health, in an effort to improve accountability across Ghana’s airports.
The airport operator also referenced a widely circulated video showing a Ghana Immigration Service officer allegedly requesting money for “breakfast” from a traveller. According to GACL, the Ghana Immigration Service has confirmed that the officer has since been transferred from the airport.
The latest disciplinary measures highlight the challenge of tackling petty corruption at airports, an issue that can shape international perceptions of a country’s regulatory environment. For many foreign investors, executives and tourists, airports provide the first direct interaction with government institutions, making service standards an important component of Ghana’s competitiveness.
The development comes as Ghana is investing heavily in strengthening its aviation sector. GACL recently deployed new passenger screening technology at Terminals 2 and 3 to speed up security checks and improve passenger convenience, part of broader efforts to position Accra as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.
Industry stakeholders have argued that service quality will become important as Ghana introduces higher airport charges to finance infrastructure expansion. The Board of Airline Representatives Ghana has warned that rising passenger costs could affect the country’s competitiveness if they are not matched by improvements in operational efficiency and customer experience.
In its statement, GACL reiterated that “everyone is being watched” and urged travellers to “Spot it. Record it. Report it.” through its dedicated hotline.
The company said it remains committed to a “zero-tolerance policy on extortion” and protecting the integrity and reputation of Ghana’s airports.
