The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced that the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has commenced mandatory pre-screening checks at the entrance to the Departure Hall of Accra International Airport (AIA), marking a significant escalation in the country’s efforts to combat drug trafficking through its primary international gateway. The new measures, effective from October 2, 2026, require all departing passengers to undergo luggage screening before proceeding to check-in .
A Response to a Growing Threat
The introduction of pre-screening checks follows a concerning surge in drug trafficking activity at the airport, with authorities identifying the involvement of some airport personnel in facilitating the movement of narcotics . The deployment of additional NACOC officers, trained sniffer dogs, and new detection equipment is part of a broader strategy to tighten security at the facility .
The Narcotics Control Commission, originally established in November 1990 as the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB), was transformed into its current form under Act 1019 (2020) with an enhanced mandate to curb illicit drug trafficking . In July 2026, the Commission was granted full recognition as a security agency, empowering its officers to carry firearms, conduct intelligence operations, make arrests, and independently prosecute narcotics-related offences .
Operational Context and Challenges
The AIA’s narcotics detection scanners had reportedly been out of service since 2022, forcing NACOC to rely heavily on sniffer dogs and physical searches to detect concealed narcotics . The Minister of the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, previously disclosed in Parliament that efforts to repair the existing equipment had proven unsuccessful due to serious technical problems and the unavailability of essential components .
In response, the government secured new state-of-the-art scanning equipment, including mobile drug detection scanners jointly provided by the Governments of Ghana and the Kingdom of the Netherlands . The Netherlands’ support, formalised in November 2025, included a full-body security scanner and a luggage scanner designed to enhance NACOC’s capabilities at Kotoka International Airport .
The Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, has also overseen a significant expansion of the Commission’s operational capacity, with district operational commands increasing from fewer than 10 to 77 nationwide, ensuring coverage across all 16 regions of Ghana .
Enhanced Screening Procedures
Under the new arrangement, all departing passengers must have their luggage screened at the entrance to the departures area before gaining access to the Departure Hall . The screening is conducted using scanning machines and sniffer dogs as part of enhanced security measures . The GACL noted that similar pre-screening procedures are already conducted at several international airports worldwide .
In addition to the pre-screening measures, NACOC is deploying closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at strategic locations within the airport, with a dedicated team responsible for monitoring and submitting daily reports on airport activities . Officers with experience in airport operations have been recalled from various parts of the country to reinforce the airport team .
Passenger Advisory
To ensure that these additional security procedures are completed without unnecessary pressure, all departing passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time . This will allow adequate time for security screening, check-in, and other boarding formalities.
The GACL further stated that access to the Departure Hall is restricted to travelling passengers only, and non-travelling persons will not be permitted entry .
The airport operator expressed appreciation for the cooperation and understanding of all passengers and airport users as it continues to work with security agencies to strengthen security and ensure safe, secure, and efficient airport operations .
A National Security Imperative
The enhanced security measures at AIA are part of a broader national effort to combat drug trafficking, which poses a significant threat to Ghana’s international image and security. NACOC has intensified its operations at airports, seaports, and land borders across the country, with intelligence-driven operations targeting transnational drug trafficking networks . The Commission’s Canine (K9) Unit has been conducting behavioural detection operations at strategic locations within the airport, including targeting passengers displaying indicators commonly associated with drug trafficking .
These operations have already yielded results, with the seizure of controlled drugs including pethidine and morphine during recent exercises . The Commission has encouraged the public and industry stakeholders to continue cooperating with its officers as it intensifies efforts to prevent the use of Ghana’s transport hubs for illicit drug trafficking .
