In 2023, security officials at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) intercepted more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition and 20 firearms, raising serious concerns about vulnerabilities in Ghana’s aviation security systems.
According to the Auditor-General’s latest public accounts report, 198 rounds and 4 guns were seized at the international passenger screening checkpoint, while 1,879 rounds and 16 weapons were discovered at Terminal 2.
Alarmingly, all passengers involved were allowed to board their flights. The report attributes this oversight to the absence of a national policy regulating the transport of weapons by air travelers.
Experts warn that even declared arms, when not strictly regulated, pose serious threats to passenger, crew, and airport safety. The Auditor-General described the situation as a “potential security risk,” urging immediate action.
Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has reportedly raised the matter with the National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) since 2022. Despite meetings involving the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), no comprehensive Weapon Declaration Policy has been enacted.
In August 2023, GACL again pushed GCAA for urgent policy action, and by November 2023, involved the Minister for National Security.
While awaiting formal legislation, GACL has enhanced internal security by retraining Aviation Security (AVSEC) screeners in weapon detection. These efforts contributed to higher detection rates but cannot replace the need for enforceable national regulations.
The Auditor-General and aviation stakeholders now call for a clear legal framework, detailing declaration procedures and strict penalties for breaches.
Until such policies are implemented, Kotoka—Ghana’s gateway for international travel—remains exposed to security threats posed by the unregulated movement of arms.
