The Ghana Airports Company Limited has removed two Port Health officers from duty at Accra International Airport and all other airports under its management after they were found to have unlawfully charged a passenger above the approved fee for a Yellow Fever Card.
The disciplinary action forms part of GACL’s intensified campaign to eliminate extortion and unethical practices within Ghana’s aviation facilities as the company moves to strengthen passenger confidence and protect the country’s reputation as an international travel destination.
In a statement released on August 6, 2026, GACL disclosed that the two officers, who were stationed at Terminal 3 of the Accra International Airport, were found on August 5 to have demanded US$40 from a foreign passport holder for a Yellow Fever Card, despite the official charge being US$20.
The company confirmed that the identification cards granting the officers access to airport operations had been withdrawn and deactivated, effectively preventing them from working at Accra International Airport or any other facility managed by GACL.
“Their ID cards to operate in the terminal have been withdrawn and deactivated. As of Thursday, 6th August 2026, the two officers are no longer permitted to work at Accra International Airport or any other GACL operated airport,” the statement said.
The action represents the first major enforcement measure announced by GACL following a stakeholder engagement held on August 5 to address what the company described as the unacceptable practice of extortion and unofficial demands for money from passengers at airports.
During the meeting, stakeholders agreed to introduce a mystery shopping initiative that will involve undercover monitoring of airport services to identify personnel engaged in inappropriate conduct and ensure accountability.
GACL also announced the implementation of a name and shame policy aimed at discouraging extortion by publicly highlighting unacceptable behaviour and reinforcing professional standards among all individuals operating within airport environments.
The company warned that personnel found guilty of extortion or related misconduct would face strict disciplinary measures and would no longer be permitted to work at any airport or within airport operational areas under its authority.
GACL further disclosed that it had taken notice of a widely circulated video involving a Ghana Immigration Service officer who was allegedly demanding money from a passenger under the guise of requesting “breakfast.”
According to the airport management company, the Ghana Immigration Service confirmed that the officer involved had been transferred from the airport following the incident.
GACL reiterated its commitment to maintaining a zero tolerance approach towards extortion, stressing that monitoring, surveillance and enforcement measures would continue across all airports under its supervision.
“Everyone is being watched,” the company cautioned, warning personnel who engage in unethical practices that such actions would attract consequences.
The company also appealed to passengers and airport users to actively support efforts to eliminate extortion by reporting incidents through its dedicated public reporting channels.
Travellers were encouraged to follow the campaign message: “Spot it. Record it. Report it,” as GACL seeks to create a safer, more transparent and professional airport experience for passengers.
