Passengers passing through Accra International Airport will no longer be required to remove their shoes and belts for security screening beginning in August, as the government seeks to modernise airport operations and improve the customer experience.
Speaking on Monday during the unveiling of Ghana’s new electronic visa (E-visa) system at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, President Mahama stated that the updated systems will greatly ease passenger transit through the country’s main international airport.
“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 said.
The revelation sparked enthusiasm among aviation and tourism stakeholders, many of whom have long lobbied for sophisticated passenger-friendly screening methods similar to those used at major international airports in Europe, Asia, and North America.
The move is anticipated to improve passenger processing times, reduce lines at security checkpoints, and increase Ghana’s competitiveness as a top travel and transit destination.
The government’s drive to digitise the travel and immigration sectors, which includes the launch of the E-visa platform to streamline entry procedures for foreign travellers, coincides with the deployment of the new screening technology.
It is anticipated that the E-visa system will increase travel to Ghana for business, investment, and tourism while cutting down on the bureaucratic delays that come with traditional visa applications.
President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s dedication to making strategic investments in airport infrastructure, digital systems, and passenger services in order to turn the nation into a cutting-edge aviation and logistics powerhouse.
By speeding up the boarding and passenger clearance procedures, the most recent action may also increase operational efficiency for airlines using Accra.
One of the largest aviation hubs in West Africa, Accra International Airport serves as Ghana’s main international airport and handles millions of travellers each year.
In many airports across the world, security screening processes that require travellers to take off their belts, jackets, computers, and shoes have grown commonplace but frequently controversial over time, especially in light of growing worries about aviation security.
However, certain airports can now do high-level screening without needing travellers to remove personal belongings thanks to advancements in scanning technology, which speeds up and simplifies travel.
The government is expected to disclose additional information in the coming weeks about the implementation timeframe, operational arrangements, and whether similar systems will eventually be implemented at other airports across the country.
Source: newsthemegh.com