Gov’t to Deploy Advanced Security Technology to Boost Airport Safety – Transport Minister
The government is set to deploy advanced security technologies and equipment at Ghana’s airports to enhance safety, security, and passenger facilitation, the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has announced.
According to the minister, the initiative forms part of efforts to ensure Ghana stays ahead of emerging security threats while maintaining the highest international aviation safety and security standards.
Mr Nikpe made the announcement at the launch of the Aviation Security Culture Week organised by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) under the theme “Promoting a Strong and Dynamic Security Culture.”
“Looking ahead, we are committed to introducing advanced security technologies and equipment that will enhance both security and facilitation at our airports,” he stated.
The week-long event, which runs from Monday, February 9, to Friday, February 13, is the first of its kind in Ghana’s aviation industry and brings together aviation security experts, industry players, and key stakeholders.
Activities lined up for the week include security culture awareness training for aviation security personnel and service providers, stakeholder engagements, passenger interactions, quiz competitions, and awards.
The transport minister urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to strengthen the country’s aviation security framework, noting that aviation security threats such as terrorism and unlawful interference have far-reaching consequences for nations, airlines, airports, regulators, manufacturers, and communities.
Citing historic incidents including early aircraft hijackings, the attempted “shoe bomber” attack, and the September 11 terrorist attacks, Mr Nikpe said the evolving nature of threats required proactive and innovative security measures.
He explained that although the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) declared 2019 as the Year of Security Culture, the initiative was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with ICAO’s relaunch of the programme, Ghana, as a signatory to the Chicago Convention, must fully participate.
Managing Director of GACL, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, said the Aviation Security Culture Week aligns Ghana’s aviation industry with ICAO’s global security initiatives.
She described security culture as embedding security into daily operations until it became second nature, adding that GACL’s philosophy is captured in the acronym “BEDS”, Breathe Security, Eat Security, Drink Security, Sleep Security.
Mrs Opare noted that aviation threats have become more complex, involving improvised weapons, advanced technologies, and sophisticated concealment methods, requiring heightened vigilance and innovation. She reaffirmed GACL’s commitment to fully implementing the Security Culture Programme across all airports and commended aviation security personnel for Ghana’s strong performance during the ICAO Aviation Security Audit conducted in February 2024.
