In a troubling revelation for national security, the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) intercepted over 2,000 rounds of ammunition and 20 firearms in 2023, exposing significant vulnerabilities in Ghana’s aviation security protocols.
This alarming statistic highlights a pressing need for comprehensive regulatory measures to safeguard air travel in the country.
The intercepted arms include 198 rounds of ammunition and four weapons found at the international passenger screening checkpoint, along with a staggering 1,879 rounds and 16 weapons uncovered in Terminal 2.
These discoveries were catalogued in the latest report from the Auditor-General concerning public accounts, revealing a stark picture of rising security threats amid the lack of a national policy governing the transport of weapons at airports.
Despite the serious nature of these seizures, all passengers involved were permitted to board their flights, raising grave concerns among security experts.
The Auditor-General pointed out that this oversight occurred due to the absence of a robust national policy regulating weapon carriage by air travellers—a loophole that poses significant risks to passengers, crew members, and airport staff alike.
Experts warn that the unchecked transport of arms, even when declared, threatens the safety of aviation operations.
The Auditor-General’s report characterised the situation as a “potential security risk,” emphasising that the lack of clear regulatory measures increases the chances of unauthorised weapons being smuggled onto flights, thus endangering overall safety.
To address these critical compliance gaps, the Auditor-General has recommended that the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) formulate and enforce comprehensive policies detailing strict guidelines for screening and managing passengers carrying weapons.
The urgency of this recommendation is underscored by the rising statistics: Ghana has recorded a 40% increase in weapons seizures at airports over the past two years, signaling an urgent need for action.
In response to the audit findings, GACL acknowledged the escalating issue of weapon carriage through KIA. They raised concerns with the National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) as early as 2022, stressing the need for immediate policy intervention.
During a subsequent meeting, attended by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the root cause of the surge in weapon transport was identified as a lack of appropriate regulations and penalties.
Despite these discussions, more than a year later, no comprehensive policy has been enacted.
GACL escalated the situation in August 2023, urging GCAA to expedite the development of a Weapon Declaration Policy.
By November 2023, they had reached out to the Minister for National Security, seeking intervention regarding the movement of undeclared weapons.
While awaiting a formal regulatory framework, GACL has taken proactive internal measures to enhance security.
Aviation Security (AVSEC) screeners have undergone additional training to improve their weapon detection capabilities at airport checkpoints.
Officials report that these internal enhancements have significantly contributed to the high detection numbers this year, although they caution that without an enforceable national policy with punitive measures, the issue is unlikely to be fully resolved.
Stakeholders from the aviation and security sectors are united in their call for decisive action.
The Auditor-General’s report emphasises the necessity for a nationally enforceable framework that clearly outlines the conditions under which weapons may be transported by passengers, including declaration procedures and strict penalties for violations.
Until such a policy is implemented, Kotoka International Airport—serving as a vital hub for diplomatic, commercial, and business travel—remains at risk due to the unregulated movement of arms.
The stakes are high, and the need for immediate and effective resolutions has never been more critical for the safety of Ghana’s airspace and its passengers.
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