President John Dramani Mahama has announced major changes to passenger screening procedures at the Accra International Airport due to an ongoing upgrade, stating that travellers will no longer be required to remove their shoes, belts, or laptops during security checks from August 2026.
He made the disclosure at the launch of Ghana’s E-Visa System at the Kempinski Hotel, where he outlined broader reforms aimed at improving travel efficiency and passenger comfort.
According to the President, new 3D scanning technology currently being installed at Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 will transform the screening process. The system is expected to eliminate the need for passengers to remove laptops and liquids from hand luggage, marking a significant shift from current airport security practices.
Passenger Convenience Improvements
President Mahama explained that additional equipment arriving in August will further enhance the travel experience by removing the inconvenience associated with taking off shoes and belts during screening. He noted that this requirement has long been a source of discomfort for passengers using Ghana’s international airport.
“Also, in August, we are receiving and installing new equipment that will spare travellers using our airport the inconvenience of having to remove their shoes and their belts, you will not be required to remove your shoes and your belts anymore.”
President of the Republic of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
The President indicated that the reforms form part of a wider effort to modernise Ghana’s aviation infrastructure and align it with global standards, particularly in improving speed, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction at entry points.
Institutional Collaboration and Technical Expertise
President Mahama commended the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Transport, alongside the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and other partner institutions, for their role in implementing the initiative.
He emphasised that the project reflects strong inter-agency cooperation and national commitment to reforming the aviation sector. He also acknowledged the technical expertise behind the system, stating that it was developed entirely by Ghanaian professionals.
“I am proud to say that this platform has been developed by Ghanaians solely,” he said, adding that confidence in local innovation must continue to grow as the country modernises.
The President further praised ROC Africa Limited and the technical teams involved in delivering the project, describing their contribution as central to the success of the upgrade.
Pan-African Symbolism and National Vision
Speaking on Africa Day, President Mahama framed the reforms within a broader Pan-African vision, referencing the historical legacy of the Organisation of African Unity founded in Addis Ababa 63 years ago under the influence of Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s ideals.
He described the initiative as Ghana’s contribution to continental integration and openness, calling it “an open door, a digital handshake, and the assurance that in the Republic of Ghana, no African will ever be made to feel unwelcome.”
He stressed that Ghana’s reforms are designed not only to improve domestic systems but also to reinforce the country’s position as a leader in African cooperation and mobility.
Demonstration of the E-Visa System
The event also featured a live demonstration of the newly launched E-Visa System. Before formally activating the platform, the President invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Interior to participate in approving the first online visa applications.
According to Mahama, several applications were already in the queue awaiting approval. The officials reviewed the applications digitally before forwarding them for final authorization.
“I now will press that green button, approve application. Approve and issue visa,” he said during the demonstration. The system then confirmed approval for the first applicant, identified as Petra Zivanovic from Serbia.
The President described the successful approval as a milestone in Ghana’s digital transformation journey and officially declared the system operational following the demonstration.
The reforms announced at the Kempinski Hotel signal a broader modernization agenda aimed at improving border management, enhancing passenger experience, and integrating digital technology into Ghana’s aviation and immigration systems.
The removal of shoe, belt, and laptop screening requirements from August represents one of the most visible changes yet in the country’s airport operations, aligning with wider efforts to position Ghana as a more efficient and globally competitive travel hub.
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