Mahama endorses crackdown on airport workers begging travellers for tips

President John Dramani Mahama has backed the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and other bodies' efforts to stop airport personnel from asking visitors for money tips. He pointed out that this behavior harms Ghana's reputation among international travelers and encouraged the aviation industry to show professionalism, discipline, and excellent hospitality.

Mahama made these comments on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the sod-cutting ceremony for a new car park and hotel complex at the Accra International Airport. He emphasized that each encounter between travelers and airport workers can affect how Ghana is viewed, whether at immigration, baggage handling, traffic control, or other service points.

The president expressed satisfaction that the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Civil Aviation Authority, and other organizations are strictly opposing airport workers soliciting tips from visitors. He stressed that those working in the aviation sector must focus on professionalism and courtesy to ensure visitors have a positive experience from the moment they reach Ghana.

Mahama highlighted that the welcome travelers receive at immigration, the efficiency of baggage services, the cleanliness of facilities, and the behavior of service providers all contribute to their first and last impressions of the country. As part of the crackdown, GACL has fired two car park workers who were suspected of asking passengers for tips.

The development of the airport involves building two hotels, over 2,000 parking spaces, a pedestrian connection to the terminal, and a shopping mall with a food court, retail, and office spaces. The project will also include a sky lounge and a sky observatory that offer views of air traffic.