Accra Airport Ditches Shoe Removal at Security – New Tech Speeds Up Screening

Ghana's busiest airport is making security checkpoints faster and less hassle-prone. The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has installed next-generation screening technology at Terminals 2 and 3 of Accra International Airport, fundamentally changing how passengers navigate pre-flight security.

The most noticeable change: travellers will no longer routinely remove shoes and belts during screening. This common airport ritual—often frustrating and time-consuming—now happens only if security profiling flags a passenger for additional checks. Similarly, laptops and large electronics can stay in cabin baggage instead of being pulled out for separate inspection, and containers of liquids, aerosols and gels no longer require manual removal, provided they comply with the 100-millilitre per-container limit that still applies.

Faster Processing, Smarter Design

Beyond convenience, the upgrade targets operational efficiency. GACL has installed an Automatic Tray Return System that whisks screening trays back to passengers more quickly once cleared, allowing them to repack belongings without congestion. This addresses a common bottleneck at busy airports where passengers queue behind trays awaiting return.

The shift reflects global best practice. Modern airports, particularly in developed nations and busy African hubs, have progressively adopted streamlined screening protocols that balance security rigour with passenger flow. The technology still maintains full security integrity—the equipment is designed to detect prohibited items without requiring manual unpacking, making it both safer and smoother.

GACL emphasised that aviation security regulations remain fully in force. The relaxed procedures do not mean laxer screening; rather, the equipment performs the job differently. Containers of liquid above 100 millilitres are still banned from cabin baggage, and security officers retain the right to conduct additional screening based on risk assessment.

Why It Matters for Ghana

This upgrade carries symbolic and practical significance for Ghana's position as a West African aviation hub. Accra International Airport handles over 2 million passengers annually, serving as a gateway for business travellers, diaspora visitors and transit passengers heading across the continent and globally. Long, tedious security lines damage a country's reputation and deter tourism and investment.

For Ghanaians travelling abroad, faster security processing means reduced stress and lower risk of missing flights. For returning Ghanaians and foreign visitors, a modern, efficient airport experience signals that Ghana is investment-ready and tourist-friendly—soft power that matters. Regional competitors like Addis Ababa and Lagos are upgrading their facilities; staying behind technologically costs Ghana market share.

The phased rollout approach is also sensible. Rather than switching systems overnight and risking chaos, GACL will run new and old equipment in parallel, training staff and ironing out problems before full transition. This minimises disruption to the thousands of passengers who pass through daily.

What's Next

GACL has called on passengers and airport workers to cooperate during the transition. Travellers should stay alert for signage and announcements clarifying which lanes use the new system. Staff will need time to become fully proficient, so patience during the rollout period is warranted.

The company has not announced a full completion date, but the gradual approach suggests implementation across both terminals will take weeks or months rather than days. Future phases may extend the technology to Terminal 1, Accra's oldest facility, though no timeline has been given.