Ghana Airport Security Faces Scrutiny After 2,000+ Weapon Interceptions

ByUjjwal Sukhwani•January 14, 2026 at 01:34 AM•3 min read

Ghana Airport Security Faces Scrutiny After 2,000+ Weapon Interceptions

Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) faces scrutiny over an Auditor-General's report revealing over 2,000 weapon and ammunition interceptions in 2023, prompting policy clarification before Parliament.

Key Points

1The 2024 Auditor-General's report revealed over 2,000 guns and ammunition were intercepted at Ghana's airports in 2023.
2The core vulnerability was the absence of a formal policy, which previously allowed passengers to board flights after their weapons were stored.
3Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) clarified the new protocol: all weapons must be declared, licensed weapons are stored in the aircraft hold, and unlicensed/undeclared weapons are confiscated and referred to the National Investigation Bureau (NIB).
4The scrutiny by Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) emphasizes the need for Ghana to align fully with ICAO Annex 17 international aviation security standards.

A startling revelation has exposed significant Ghana airport security concerns. The 2024 Auditor-General's report documented a high volume of weapon interceptions GACL airports faced in 2023. Over 2,000 guns and ammunition rounds were seized from passengers during the year. This finding prompted intense scrutiny from Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Officials from the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) appeared before the committee. They sought to clarify past procedures and new security protocols. The audit flagged an "increasing number of weapons and ammunition carried by passengers".

Policy Vulnerability Exposed

Vice Chairman of the PAC, Samuel Atta-Mills, highlighted a critical lapse. The audit noted passengers were allowed to board their flights. This was due to the absence of a formal, standardized aviation security policy on weapons carriage. While intercepted cases were referred to the National Investigation Bureau (NIB), the passengers proceeded to fly. Atta-Mills characterized this passenger screening vulnerability as "really serious".

Previously, GACL officials explained the weapon was separated and stored. It remained at the airport until the passenger’s flight departed. This procedure was in place due to the lack of a clear policy.

GACL Clarifies Current Protocol

Under persistent questioning, GACL officials detailed the new, current protocol. Any passenger carrying a weapon must now declare it to the Aviation Security Department. If the weapon is properly licensed, the passenger may travel with it. However, the weapon must be surrendered for secure storage within the aircraft’s hold. Carrying weapons in the passenger cabin is strictly prohibited under international standards.

Crucially, failure to declare a licensed weapon results in its confiscation. Any unlicensed weapon is immediately confiscated and handed over to the NIB. This clarified licensed weapon protocol aims to eliminate the previous policy gap.

International Aviation Security Context

This incident highlights the importance of robust security measures. Global aviation standards, set by the ICAO, mandate strict controls. The prevention of weapons and explosives is a core requirement of ICAO Annex 17. The airport security concerns raised in Ghana underscore the need for continuous compliance.

Maintaining public confidence in air travel is paramount. Organizations like IATA and regulators such as the FAA stress harmonized global procedures. The PAC hearing served to raise awareness on the existing policy regarding weapons. This ensures that Ghana’s airports adhere to international best practices. Readers can find more details on this and other commercial aviation news at flying.flights.

The GACL’s clarification is a critical step. It addresses a major security finding from the Auditor-General's report. A clear, standardized policy is essential for all aviation stakeholders. It protects passengers, airlines, and airport staff alike.