The Ghana Airports Company Limited has commenced a major technological upgrade at the country’s main aviation gateway with the introduction of advanced security screening systems at the passenger checkpoints of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 of the Accra International Airport, a move expected to redefine airport security operations and significantly improve the efficiency of passenger movement.
The introduction of the new screening technology represents one of the most significant improvements to Ghana’s airport security infrastructure in recent years, reflecting a broader effort to align the country’s aviation facilities with evolving global security standards while reducing delays and inconvenience faced by travellers.
The upgraded equipment is designed to provide a faster, more efficient and passenger friendly screening process by reducing several of the traditional procedures associated with airport security checks. Under the new system, travellers will no longer be required to remove laptops and other large electronic devices from their cabin baggage before screening, allowing passengers to move through checkpoints with greater convenience and reduced waiting times.
In another significant change, passengers will no longer routinely be asked to remove shoes and belts during security screening. Instead, these additional procedures will only apply to individuals who are selected for further examination through established security profiling mechanisms.
The technological advancement is expected to improve the overall passenger experience at the Accra International Airport, which serves as Ghana’s primary international aviation hub and a major gateway connecting West Africa to the rest of the world.
According to the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the newly deployed equipment will also allow passengers to retain liquids, aerosols and gels inside their cabin baggage during the screening process. However, the company emphasised that existing aviation security regulations remain unchanged, particularly the restriction on carrying liquid containers exceeding 100 millilitres in cabin luggage.
The clarification is aimed at ensuring that travellers understand that while the screening process has become more technologically advanced, international aviation safety requirements continue to apply.
A major component of the upgrade is the installation of an Automatic Tray Return System, a modern airport management feature designed to improve the speed and organisation of security checkpoints. The system automatically returns used trays after screening, enabling passengers to collect their belongings more quickly and reducing congestion around security areas.
The adoption of this technology places Ghana among countries embracing smart airport solutions that combine enhanced security with improved passenger convenience. Globally, airports have increasingly invested in advanced screening systems as aviation authorities seek to balance strict security requirements with the demand for faster and smoother travel experiences.
For Ghana, the upgrade carries broader economic and strategic significance. As the country seeks to strengthen its position as an aviation and tourism hub within Africa, efficient airport operations have become increasingly important in attracting international travellers, supporting business connectivity and improving Ghana’s competitiveness in the global aviation sector.
The Accra International Airport has historically served as a critical entry point for diplomacy, commerce, tourism and international investment. Enhancing its security infrastructure therefore represents more than an operational adjustment; it forms part of a wider national ambition to modernise transport systems and position Ghana as a leading aviation centre in the region.
The Ghana Airports Company Limited has indicated that the introduction of the new screening technology will be carried out gradually, with the upgraded systems operating alongside existing security equipment and procedures during the transition period. This phased approach is intended to ensure that airport operations continue without disruption while personnel and passengers adapt to the new processes.
The company has also appealed to passengers, airlines and other airport users to cooperate with officials throughout the implementation period by following instructions and supporting the successful adoption of the new system.
The latest development signals a major shift in Ghana’s aviation security landscape, combining advanced technology with improved passenger service delivery and reinforcing the country’s commitment to building safer, smarter and more efficient airport infrastructure.
