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President John Dramani Mahama has endorsed measures by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other agencies operating at the airport to stop workers from soliciting or begging passengers and visitors for tips.
According to the President, the practice tarnishes Ghana’s image and undermines the country’s efforts to project professionalism and hospitality to international visitors.
He therefore urged workers across the aviation sector to maintain high standards of discipline, professionalism and customer service.
President Mahama made the remarks at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Multi-Tiered, Multi-Purpose Car Park and Airport Hotels Complex at the Accra International Airport.
He stressed that every institution and individual working at the airport contributes to the impression visitors form about Ghana.
“Every institution and every worker at this airport contributes to Ghana’s image. The welcome at immigration, the efficiency of baggage handling, the cleanliness of our facilities, the management of traffic and the courtesy of service providers all shape the visitors’ first and last impressions of our country. We must therefore cultivate a culture of professionalism, discipline and hospitality across the aviation value chain.
“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,” he said.
The President’s comments follow measures already taken by GACL to address the practice, including the dismissal of two car park workers accused of soliciting tips from passengers.
The crackdown forms part of efforts to improve service standards and ensure that visitors to Ghana receive a professional and welcoming experience from the point of arrival.
New airport complex to expand facilities
Meanwhile, the planned Airport Hotels Complex and Multi-Tiered Car Park is expected to significantly expand facilities at the Accra International Airport.
The development will comprise two hotels and more than 2,000 parking spaces, as well as a pedestrian connector linking the complex directly to the airport terminal.
The project will also feature a shopping mall equipped with a food court, retail outlets and office spaces.
Additional facilities will include a sky lounge and sky observatory designed to provide visitors with views of aircraft operations.
The project is expected to enhance the airport’s infrastructure while improving convenience for passengers, visitors and other users of the facility.