No more removal of shoes and belts at Accra International Airport – GACL Installs new security screening system at AIA

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Accra, Ghana – The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced the installation of new state-of-the-art security screening equipment at the passenger screening checkpoints in Terminals 2 and 3 of the Accra International Airport (AIA), a move expected to significantly improve security operations and enhance the passenger experience.

In a public notice issued by the company, GACL said the upgraded screening technology will allow travellers to move through security checkpoints more quickly and conveniently while maintaining high aviation security standards.

Under the new system, passengers will no longer be required to remove laptops and other large electronic devices from their hand luggage during screening. The advanced equipment is capable of screening these items while they remain inside cabin bags, reducing delays and making the process more efficient.

The company also announced that passengers may now keep their shoes and belts on during security checks, except in cases where additional screening is required as part of security profiling procedures.

Another major change is that liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) can remain inside passengers’ carry-on luggage during screening, eliminating the need for separate inspections in many instances. However, GACL stressed that existing aviation regulations on liquids remain in force, and passengers are still prohibited from carrying containers exceeding 100 millilitres in volume in their hand baggage.

To further improve processing times, the airport operator has introduced an Automatic Tray Return System that will quickly return trays to passengers after screening, enabling them to repack their belongings more efficiently and reducing congestion at security checkpoints.

According to GACL, the transition to the new screening system will be carried out progressively and alongside existing procedures and equipment to ensure a smooth implementation process.

The company has appealed to passengers and other stakeholders to cooperate with airport authorities as operations with the new equipment begin in the coming days.

The introduction of the advanced screening technology marks another step in Ghana’s efforts to modernise its aviation infrastructure and align passenger processing procedures at Kotoka International Airport with international best practices. The move is also expected to strengthen the airport’s reputation as one of West Africa’s leading aviation hubs by delivering a faster, more seamless travel experience for passengers.