The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has introduced a range of initiatives, including a ‘mystery shopping’ program, aimed at eradicating extortion and other unethical behaviors at airports nationwide.
These initiatives were established during a high-level stakeholder facilitation meeting that took place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, which included airport agencies and service providers to tackle ongoing reports of extortion, often referred to as begging, at airports managed by GACL.
As stated in a press release from GACL, the mystery shopping program will entail covert surveillance of staff, with those found participating in extortion being publicly named through appropriate media outlets as part of a ‘name and shame’ strategy.
The company indicated that employees found guilty of extortion will face disciplinary measures and will be barred from employment at any airport or within airport facilities.
To enhance public involvement, GACL has also set up a dedicated hotline, 0542175636, which can be reached via calls, WhatsApp, and SMS, allowing passengers to report incidents involving personnel from agencies and service providers operating in airport terminals.
This reporting system encompasses officials from the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Police Service, National Security, Port Health, the Narcotics Control Commission, airlines, ground handling companies, private security firms, concessionaires, and other airport service providers.
GACL encourages passengers who wish to file complaints to include specific details such as the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer involved, the relevant agency, and the location of the occurrence.
The company also reminded travelers of their right to request the Airport Identification Card from any individual claiming to represent an airport agency to confirm their identity.
It also urged travelers to secure receipts for every transaction conducted at the airport and to report any unusual behavior via the designated hotline.
GACL stated that these initiatives aim to enhance accountability, shield passengers from exploitation, and uphold Ghana’s standing as a favored aviation center in West Africa.
