• Ghana is deploying 3D security scanners at Accra’s main airport to speed up passenger screening

• New systems from 2026 will let travelers keep laptops and liquids inside bags during checks

• The upgrades are part of a broader push to modernize airports and position Ghana as a West African aviation hub

Ghana is deploying advanced 3D security scanners at Terminals 2 and 3 of Kotoka International Airport in Accra, as part of a broader effort to modernize border controls and improve passenger processing. President John Dramani Mahama announced the move on Monday, May 25, during the launch of the country’s new e-visa platform.

The new scanners are expected to reduce queues and shorten processing times at the terminals. Starting in August 2026, Ghana also plans to roll out new screening systems allowing passengers to keep laptops, liquids and electronic devices inside their bags during security checks. Travelers will no longer need to remove shoes or belts during inspections.

Officials said the reforms are part of a wider airport modernization program aimed at combining stronger security controls with faster passenger movement. The initiative includes advanced passenger information (API) systems and passenger name record (PNR) analytics tools designed to support intelligence-led screening.

Accra also confirmed that e-visas will be free for certain African travelers, while the digital platform will later be extended to work and residence permit applications. The investments come as traffic at Ghana’s main airport continues to rise sharply. Passenger numbers increased by about 39% to 2.5 million in 2025, from 1.8 million in 2022, according to airport authorities.

The growth is placing increasing pressure on existing infrastructure, particularly during peak periods when congestion affects check-in, immigration, security screening and baggage handling operations. To accommodate future demand, Ghana also plans to extend the runway at Kumasi Airport, build a new control tower in Accra and develop additional regional airports.

The country joins a growing number of African states investing heavily in smart airport infrastructure and digital border management systems. Morocco, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Kenya have in recent years accelerated projects involving biometric controls, digital travel platforms and passenger flow technologies.

As African aviation hubs compete more aggressively for regional traffic, the quality and efficiency of the airport experience are becoming increasingly important factors in attracting airlines, investors, tourists and international events.

For Accra, the initiative is also part of a broader strategy to position Ghana as a regional gateway for West Africa and strengthen its appeal to international businesses.

Authorities see streamlined immigration procedures, upgraded infrastructure and digital public services as key tools to support trade and mobility under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Samira Njoya