Two Port Health Officers Barred From Accra International Airport Over Yellow Fever Card Extortion

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has barred two Port Health officers from working at the Accra International Airport and any other airport operated by the company after they were found to have allegedly extorted money from a foreign traveller.

According to GACL, the incident occurred on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Terminal 3 of the Accra International Airport, where the two officers were found to have demanded more than the approved fee for the issuance of a Yellow Fever Card.

In a statement dated August 6, 2026, GACL said the approved charge for a Yellow Fever Card is US$20 for foreign passport holders and GH¢100 for Ghanaian passport holders.

However, the two officers allegedly charged a foreign passport holder US$40, twice the approved fee.

Immediate action taken

GACL said it took immediate action after the incident was identified.

The identification cards that enabled the two officers to operate inside the airport terminal were withdrawn and deactivated.

The company further stated that, effective Thursday, August 6, 2026, the two officers were no longer permitted to work at the Accra International Airport or any other airport operated by GACL.

The latest action forms part of the company’s stated commitment to tackling extortion and other forms of improper conduct involving personnel working at Ghana’s airports. 

Immigration officer also transferred

GACL also addressed a separate incident involving a Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officer.

Management said it had taken note of a viral video circulating online in which a GIS officer was seen demanding money from a passenger for what was described as “breakfast.”

GACL said the Ghana Immigration Service had confirmed that the officer involved had since been transferred from the airport. 

The development has added to concerns over alleged demands for unofficial payments from passengers at the airport, prompting renewed calls for greater accountability among personnel who interact directly with travellers.

GACL urges passengers to report extortion

GACL has urged passengers and other members of the travelling public to remain vigilant and report any suspected acts of extortion or improper demands for money.

The company has adopted the message:

“Spot it. Record it. Report it.”

Passengers who encounter such incidents have been encouraged to contact GACL’s dedicated hotline on 054 217 5636. The number is available for calls, WhatsApp and text messages.

GACL said the reporting channel is intended to help passengers bring suspected misconduct to the attention of management for appropriate action.

‘Everyone is being watched’

Reiterating its position on the issue, GACL stated: “Everyone is being watched.”

The company said it remains committed to a zero-tolerance policy on extortion and to protecting the integrity and reputation of Ghana’s airports.

The latest action follows other measures announced by GACL to address extortion and inappropriate demands for money from passengers, including stronger monitoring and reporting mechanisms. 

GACL said it would continue to work with relevant airport stakeholders to ensure that passengers receive services without being subjected to unofficial charges or demands for money.