GACL dismisses two car park workers over passenger extortion at Kotoka Airport

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The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has dismissed two car park attendants at Kotoka International Airport following multiple complaints of extortion from passengers, in a decisive move to stamp out misconduct and improve traveller experience at the country’s busiest aviation gateway.

The Managing Director of GACL, Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, disclosed the development during a visit by Parliament’s Committee on Roads andTransportation to the airport on Tuesday, where she briefed lawmakers on ongoing reforms.

“Just about two weeks ago, we’ve had two people expelled from the airport—car park workers who asked passengers for money. And instantly, because we were able to identify and zero in on the specific people, we were able to have them leave the airport immediately,” Mrs. Opare told the committee.

She revealed that the dismissals followed repeated complaints from travellers, which allowed the company to pinpoint the culprits through its internal monitoring systems and passenger feedback channels.

Commitment to eliminate misconduct

Mrs. Opare stressed that GACL remains resolute in its commitment to eradicating extortion and other forms of misconduct at the airport, assuring the public that the company would not shield any staff found guilty of exploiting passengers.

“We are asking the general public to help us address these issues. Anyone who encounters such behaviour should report it promptly so we can take swift disciplinary action,” she added.

The Managing Director noted that the company has intensified surveillance at the car park and other high-traffic areas, and has introduced anonymous reporting mechanisms to encourage passengers to come forward without fear of reprisal.

Background and context

The incident comes at a time when Kotoka International Airport is undergoing a broader service improvement drive aimed at positioning it as a world-class aviation hub. GACL has invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades, including the expansion of the terminal and the introduction of automated systems, but passenger complaints about informal fees and harassment have persisted.

Car park attendants, security personnel and baggage handlers have at various times been accused of demanding money from travellers in exchange for expedited services or to “secure” vehicles. Such practices not only tarnish the airport’s reputation but also contravene GACL’s code of conduct and customer service charter.

Parliamentary oversight

The visit by the Roads and Transport Committee formed part of Parliament’s oversight function to assess the operational efficiency and service delivery standards at the airport. Lawmakers commended GACL for taking decisive action but urged the company to implement preventive measures to deter future incidents.

Committee members also called for enhanced staff training, stricter supervision and the use of technology to monitor interactions between staff and passengers.

Public appeal and future measures

Mrs. Opare appealed to the travelling public to collaborate with GACL by reporting any incidents of extortion or inappropriate conduct through the company’s official hotlines, email channels or in-person feedback desks located at the airport.

GACL has indicated that it will intensify mystery shopper exercises and internal audits to ensure compliance, and has promised periodic updates on disciplinary actions taken against erring staff.

The dismissals, while a small-scale action, signal a significant shift in GACL’s approach to accountability—one that industry watchers say must be sustained if the airport is to compete with other regional hubs in West Africa.

For now, the message from the airport operator is clear: the days of extortion at Kotoka are numbered, and staff who violate the trust of passengers will face the full weight of disciplinary action.