Passengers travelling through Kotoka International Airport will no longer be required to routinely remove their shoes and belts during security screening from August 2026, following the installation of new airport screening technology announced by John Dramani Mahama.
The President disclosed the move on Monday during the launch of Ghana’s new electronic visa system at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, saying the upgraded equipment is intended to strengthen aviation security while making travel through Ghana faster and more convenient.
According to President Mahama, the intervention forms part of a broader government push to modernise the country’s aviation infrastructure and position Ghana as a major travel and logistics hub in West Africa.
“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,” the President stated.
New airport screening technology expected to reduce delays
The new screening systems are expected to significantly improve passenger movement through Ghana’s busiest international airport by reducing long queues at security checkpoints and speeding up passenger processing times.
For years, travellers at many airports around the world have been required to remove shoes, belts, laptops and jackets during screening procedures because of heightened global aviation security concerns. However, newer scanning technologies now allow airports to conduct advanced security checks without forcing passengers to remove certain personal items.
Industry stakeholders believe the latest upgrade could improve the overall passenger experience at Kotoka International Airport while also helping airlines reduce boarding delays and operational bottlenecks.
The development has also generated excitement within Ghana’s tourism and aviation sectors, where operators have long advocated modern passenger-friendly screening systems similar to those used in major airports across Europe, Asia and North America.
Ghana pushes aviation and travel digitalisation drive
The airport screening upgrade comes alongside the government’s wider digitalisation agenda within the immigration and travel sectors.
At the same event, President Mahama officially launched Ghana’s electronic visa platform, also known as the E-visa system, which is expected to simplify visa application procedures for international visitors.
Government officials believe the digital platform could help reduce bureaucratic delays associated with traditional visa applications while boosting tourism, business travel and foreign investment into Ghana.
President Mahama reiterated that strategic investments in airport infrastructure, digital systems and passenger services remain central to the government’s ambition of transforming Ghana into a competitive aviation and logistics destination in West Africa.
Why the changes matter for travellers
For frequent flyers and international travellers, the new airport screening process could make journeys through Accra considerably smoother.
Removing shoes and belts during airport security checks has often been one of the most unpopular parts of air travel, especially during peak travel periods when passenger traffic is high.
The introduction of more advanced scanners could help:
- Reduce waiting times at security checkpoints
- Improve passenger comfort and convenience
- Speed up boarding and transit processes
- Enhance operational efficiency for airlines
- Improve Ghana’s image as a modern travel destination
Kotoka International Airport handles millions of passengers annually and remains one of the busiest aviation hubs in the West African subregion.
Government is expected to release additional details in the coming weeks regarding the implementation timeline, operational arrangements and whether similar screening systems will eventually be introduced at other airports across Ghana.
