Passengers travelling through Accra International Airport will soon no longer need to routinely remove their shoes, belts, laptops and some electronic devices during security checks following the introduction of new airport screening technology in Ghana.
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has deployed advanced security screening equipment at passenger checkpoints in Terminals 2 and 3 of Accra International Airport to strengthen aviation security while making the travel experience faster and more convenient.
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What happened
The new airport screening technology in Ghana will allow passengers to keep laptops and other large electronic devices inside their cabin baggage during routine security checks.
Travellers will also no longer be required to remove their shoes and belts unless they are selected for additional screening through security profiling.
The upgraded system will also allow passengers to keep liquids, aerosols and gels in their cabin baggage where separate screening is not required.
However, GACL stressed that existing aviation security regulations remain in force. Liquids exceeding 100 millilitres per container will continue to be prohibited in cabin baggage.
The new equipment also includes an Automatic Tray Return System, which is expected to speed up screening by returning trays more quickly after passengers complete security checks.
GACL said the transition to the new system will be carried out in phases alongside existing security equipment and procedures to ensure smooth operations.
Passengers and other airport users have been urged to cooperate with officials as the technology is progressively introduced.
The development follows wider efforts to modernise Ghana’s travel systems. In a related move, Ghana’s electronic visa system is expected to simplify travel procedures for international visitors as the government pushes digitalisation across the aviation and immigration sectors.
Why the airport screening changes matter
For frequent travellers, especially during busy travel periods, removing shoes, belts, laptops and other personal items has often been one of the most frustrating parts of airport security checks.
The introduction of advanced scanners could reduce waiting times, improve passenger comfort and make movement through Accra International Airport smoother.
Industry stakeholders believe the upgrade could help reduce queues at security checkpoints while improving the overall passenger experience.
In May, President John Dramani Mahama announced that passengers using Accra International Airport would no longer be required to routinely remove their shoes and belts from August 2026 following the installation of the new screening technology.
The President made the announcement during the launch of Ghana’s electronic visa platform at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, describing the investment as part of efforts to modernise Ghana’s aviation infrastructure.
“We are receiving and installing new equipment that will spare travellers using our airports the inconvenience of having to remove their shoes and their belts,” President Mahama stated.
The new systems reflect a broader global shift towards more advanced airport security technology, where scanners can carry out detailed checks without requiring passengers to remove multiple personal items.
For the millions of passengers who use Accra International Airport, the change could represent a major improvement in convenience and efficiency.
Ghana’s aviation modernisation drive
The screening upgrade comes alongside government efforts to improve Ghana’s aviation and travel infrastructure.
At the same event where the President announced the airport screening changes, Ghana launched its electronic visa platform, designed to make visa applications easier for international travellers.
Officials believe the digital system could reduce delays associated with traditional visa applications while supporting tourism, business travel and foreign investment.
The improvements are part of Ghana’s ambition to strengthen its position as a major aviation and logistics hub in West Africa.
Accra International Airport remains Ghana’s main international gateway and one of the busiest airports in the region.
What happens next
GACL is expected to provide further updates on the full implementation timeline and operational arrangements as the new screening system becomes fully integrated.
Authorities will also assess whether similar technology can be introduced at other airports across Ghana.
For passengers, the biggest change will be a simpler airport experience with shorter security procedures and fewer interruptions before boarding flights.
Related reads
- Ghana launches electronic visa system to simplify travel for visitors
- Ghana e-visa guide: Application process, requirements and key things travellers should know
- 10 African Countries That Had E-Visas Before Ghana — And How Ghana’s New System Differs
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