Ghana Airports Company Limited: Introduces Mystery Shopping to Curb Extortion

• GACL has introduced a 'mystery shopping' system to identify extortion by airport personnel.
• A dedicated hotline, 0542175636, is available for reporting extortion incidents.
• Staff found guilty of extortion will face disciplinary action and be barred from working at airports.
• Passengers have the right to request an Airport Identification Card and receipts for payments made at the airport.

GACL said staff found guilty would face disciplinary action and would no longer be allowed to work at any airport or within its surroundings.

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has taken a decisive step to curb the menace of extortion and begging by airport personnel at its managed airports. A high-level stakeholder meeting held in Accra on August 5, 2026, led to the introduction of a 'mystery shopping' system, where individuals will secretly assess the conduct of airport staff. This initiative aims to identify workers engaging in extortion and subject them to public identification through media channels as part of a 'name and shame' campaign.

To facilitate reporting of extortion incidents, GACL has established a dedicated hotline, 0542175636. Passengers can use this number to report any suspicious transactions or interactions with airport officials through phone call, WhatsApp, or SMS. Reports should include essential details such as the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer involved, the agency responsible, and the location where the incident occurred.

GACL has emphasized that staff found guilty of extortion will face disciplinary action and be barred from working at any airport or its surroundings. The company is working in collaboration with various stakeholders to improve standards at the airports and protect Ghana's image as a leading aviation hub in West Africa. Public cooperation in reporting unacceptable conduct is crucial for strengthening confidence in the country's airports.

GACL has reminded passengers that they have the right to request an Airport Identification Card from any airport official before engaging with them. It is also advised that travellers should request receipts for all payments made at the airport and report any suspicious transactions through the hotline. By exercising these rights, passengers can help maintain a safe and secure environment at the airports.

GACL is working closely with various agencies and companies operating at the airports, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Ghana Police Service, National Security, airlines, ground handling companies, private security firms, and airport concessionaires. This collaborative effort aims to enhance standards at the airports and position Ghana as a reputable aviation hub in West Africa.

Lawyers and compliance officers should advise clients to report any suspicious transactions or extortion by airport officials through the GACL hotline, and also request receipts for all payments made at the airport.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times