The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has introduced enhanced security screening measures for passengers departing from Ghana’s airports as authorities intensify efforts to prevent drug trafficking and narcotics smuggling through the country.
Under the new security arrangement, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) is conducting pre-screening checks at the entrance of the Departure Hall. Travellers will have their luggage examined using security scanning machines and sniffer dogs before they proceed to airline check-in counters.
According to GACL, the enhanced airport security measures are part of efforts to strengthen passenger screening and improve aviation security in Ghana. The company noted that similar pre-screening procedures are already implemented at a number of international airports.
The latest directive follows growing concerns over narcotics trafficking through Ghana, with authorities stepping up measures to prevent illegal drugs from being transported across the country’s borders.
A JoyNews Research tally recorded 28 drug-related busts between March 2025 and September 2026, including 11 cases involving cocaine.
President John Dramani Mahama has subsequently directed an inter-agency task force to investigate recent narcotics trafficking cases and recommend measures to stop the movement of illegal drugs through Ghana’s borders.
The Presidency has also disclosed that 10 individuals, including four officers of the Customs Division, have been detained in connection with ongoing investigations into the alleged drug trafficking activities.
Travellers Advised to Arrive Three Hours Early
GACL has advised all departing passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight departure time.
The early arrival is intended to give travellers enough time to complete enhanced security screening, baggage checks, airline check-in and other boarding procedures without delays.
As part of the new security measures, access to the Departure Hall has also been restricted to passengers who are travelling. Non-travelling individuals will no longer be allowed into the Departure Hall.
GACL has therefore urged passengers and other airport users to cooperate fully with NACOC, airport security personnel and other security agencies as the enhanced screening procedures take effect.
The measures are expected to strengthen airport security in Ghana, improve passenger screening and support ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, cocaine smuggling and narcotics-related activities through the country’s airports.
Source: newsthemegh.com