President John Dramani Mahama has backed measures by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other airport agencies to stop workers from soliciting or begging visitors for tips.
According to Mahama, the practice creates a negative impression of Ghana among international visitors.
He called on airport workers to uphold professionalism, discipline and hospitality.
President Mahama highlighted that every interaction between visitors and workers at the airport contributes to the country’s image, from immigration and baggage handling to traffic management and other services.
Speaking on Thursday, August 27, at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Multi-Tiered, Multi-Purpose Car Park and Airport Hotels Complex at the Accra International Airport, President Mahama stated, “I’m happy that the Ghana Airports Company Limited and the Civil Aviation Authority and other institutions working at the airport are taking a tough stance against soliciting and begging visitors for tips. It reflects very badly on our country”.
“Every institution and every worker at this airport contributes to Ghana’s image,” he said, adding that the welcome at immigration, efficiency in baggage handling, cleanliness and courtesy of service providers all shape visitors’ first and last impressions of the country.
It will be recalled that the GACL has already dismissed two car park workers over alleged involvement in soliciting tips from passengers as part of the broader crackdown.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has today August, 27, 2026, cut sod for the construction of a seven-storey multi-purpose car park and commercial complex at Terminal 3 of the Accra International Airport.
President Mahama at the sod-cutting ceremony disclosed that government’s strategy is not merely to attract more passengers but to position Ghana as a preferred destination, transit point, and competitive aviation hub in Africa.
According to John Mahama, passenger traffic at the airport had increased from 1.8 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2025, emphasising the need for expanded infrastructure.
Mahama further detailed that the airport projects, including the new GCAA control tower, refurbishment of Terminal 2, the transfer concourse between Terminals 2 and 3, and the new parking and commercial development, are being funded entirely from the balance sheets of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and Ghana Airports Company Limited.
He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening aviation infrastructure and connectivity.
The project is expected to feature a seven-storey car park with over 2,000 parking bays, two hotels, a pedestrian connector linking directly to the terminal, a shopping mall with a food court, retail and office spaces, as well as a sky lounge and an observation deck offering views of aircraft landings and take-offs.
@ghnow_ President Mahama departs after the sod-cutting ceremony for the new airport complex. ✈️🇬🇭 #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_ “The new airport complex can accommodate over 2,000 cars” — Transport Minister #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
