Accra: The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced a series of measures to end extortion at airports across the country, including the introduction of a dedicated reporting hotline and a name and shame policy for offenders. These measures were agreed upon at a stakeholder facilitation meeting to address what GACL described as the unacceptable practice of extortion at all airports operated by the company.
According to Ghana Web, the new measures will include a 'mystery shopping' initiative to identify personnel engaged in extortion. Individuals found guilty will be publicly identified through appropriate media channels as part of a 'name and shame' approach aimed at discouraging the practice and promoting accountability. Furthermore, staff found guilty of extortion will face disciplinary action and will no longer be allowed to work at any airport or within its environs.
To support the initiative, GACL has established a dedicated hotline for passengers to report incidents of extortion via calls, WhatsApp, or SMS. The reporting system covers personnel from several agencies and service providers operating at the airports, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Revenue Authority's Customs Division, Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Police Service, National Security, Port Health, airlines, ground handling companies, private security firms, concessionaires, meet-and-assist services, and other airport service providers.
GACL urged passengers to provide the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer involved, the agency, and the location where the incident occurred when making a report. The company also reminded travelers that they have the right to request the airport identification card of any official claiming to represent an agency within the airport to verify their identity. Passengers were further encouraged to demand receipts for all payments made at the airport and to report any suspicious conduct through the dedicated hotline.
GACL stated that it is working with all airport stakeholders to safeguard the reputation of Ghana's airports and strengthen the country's position as a preferred aviation hub in West Africa.