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A metal detector mounted at the entrance to the departure hall of the KIA. INSET: Vehicles are no longer allowed to wait unnecessarily in front of the departure area

Ghana Airports Company beefs up security

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has taken proactive steps to beef up security measures at the Kotoka International Airport and the regional airports across the country to ensure passenger safety while protecting state property.

According to the management of the GACL, “In the wake of recent security challenges at airports around the world, the company, together with relevant security agencies, has introduced additional security measures at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) and the regional airports for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

 

As a result, all travelling passengers will be screened before they enter the departure hall; the departure halls will also be restricted to only travellers, while only authorised personnel are allowed in restricted areas.

Again, parking regulations will be strictly enforced while unauthorised vehicles will be towed away. The airport square will be decongested while  police/military presence and patrols at the airport has been intensified. 

The management also noted that no loitering would be tolerated around the airports.

The Managing Director of GACL, Mr Charles Asare, told the Daily Graphic that: “In view of the global concerns for aviation safety, GACL has introduced these new security measures at KIA and the regional airports for the benefit of all stakeholders.” 

“We solicit the cooperation of the general public as we address the new security threats emerging in the aviation industry,” he added.

More security

It will be recalled that in November 2015, the GACL took delivery of two pieces of Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) equipment. 

This followed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the government of Ghana and the government of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in May, 2015.

The terms of the MoU were to, among other things, provide two Explosive Trace Detection Machines (ETD) for the purposes of screening passengers and cabin baggage for explosives. 

Additionally, it will also provide training for personnel in the operational use, supervision and daily maintenance procedures. 

The equipment is said to have enhanced security and complemented the existing security arrangements at KIA. 

So far, a substantial number of aviation security personnel have been trained by experts from Britain in the use of the machines which have since been deployed.

Again, as part of ongoing projects at KIA, state-of–the-art security surveillance systems have been installed and are in full operation. 

The new systems are equipped with ultramodern IP-based real-time cameras with video analytics to provide 24-hour security surveillance. 

The installation covers all areas of the airport including the airside, landside, terminal buildings and the perimeter fence, making it possible to view all grey areas and ensure security at the airport. 

The next phase, according to sources, would involve the installation of a Perimeter Intrusion Detection (PID) system which would issue audible alerts when anyone intrudes into the airport perimeter or the airside and show the location of the intrusion for action to be taken.

 

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