GACL Launches Hotline, ‘Name and Shame’ Policy to Curb Extortion and Begging at Ghana Airports
Credit: myjoyonline
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced a comprehensive crackdown on extortion, harassment and begging by personnel operating at airports across the country, introducing a dedicated reporting hotline and a “name and shame” policy to improve passenger experience and strengthen accountability.
The measures were agreed upon during a high-level stakeholder facilitation meeting held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, bringing together key agencies and service providers operating within Ghana’s airports.
The initiative forms part of GACL’s broader strategy to eliminate unethical practices, restore public confidence and position Ghana as the preferred aviation hub in West Africa.
GACL introduces ‘mystery shopping’ and public exposure of offenders
As part of the new measures, GACL will roll out a “mystery shopping” initiative, where undercover monitors will assess the conduct of airport personnel and identify individuals engaged in extortion or other forms of misconduct.
Officials found culpable will not only face disciplinary sanctions but will also be publicly identified through appropriate media platforms under a “name and shame” policy designed to deter future misconduct.
According to GACL, personnel found guilty of extortionary practices will be barred from working at any airport or within airport operational areas.
Dedicated hotline for reporting extortion
To encourage public participation, GACL has established a dedicated hotline—0542175636—through which passengers can report incidents of extortion via phone calls, WhatsApp or SMS.
Passengers submitting complaints are encouraged to provide as much information as possible, including:
- Date and time of the incident
- Name or description of the officer involved
- Agency or organisation represented
- Exact location where the incident occurred
- Any supporting evidence, where available
Management believes timely and detailed reporting will help investigators identify offenders and take swift disciplinary action.
Passengers advised to verify officers’ identities
GACL also reminded travellers that they have the right to request the Airport Identification Card of any person claiming to represent an agency operating at the airport before complying with any request or instruction.
Passengers are further advised to insist on official receipts for every payment made at the airport and immediately report any suspicious charges, unauthorised payments or inappropriate conduct through the newly established hotline.
Multi-agency support for anti-extortion campaign
The anti-extortion campaign has received the support of all major agencies and service providers operating within Ghana’s airports, including:
- Ghana Immigration Service
- Ghana Police Service
- National Security
- Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division)
- Narcotics Control Commission
- Ghana Civil Aviation Authority
- Airlines
- Ground handling companies
- Private security firms
- Airport concessionaires
The collaborative approach is expected to strengthen enforcement and ensure uniform standards of professionalism across all airport operations.
Protecting Ghana’s aviation reputation
GACL emphasised that the cooperation of the travelling public remains critical to the success of the initiative.
The company said eliminating extortion and other unethical practices will improve passenger confidence, enhance service delivery and protect Ghana’s international reputation as it pursues its vision of becoming West Africa’s leading aviation hub and preferred destination for airport business.
Management encouraged all passengers to speak up whenever they encounter misconduct, assuring the public that every credible report will be treated confidentially and investigated promptly.
