{
  "id": 11490234,
  "title": "GACL tightens airport security screening",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/gacl-tightens-airport-security-screening",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T17:05:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Chronicle Ghana",
    "slug": "the-chronicle-ghana",
    "url": "https://thechronicle.com.gh/122983-2/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has implemented stricter security measures at their airport, with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) now conducting pre-screening checks at the departure hall entrance. Passengers will now have their luggage scanned by machines and screened by sniffer dogs before entering the check-in area. This new protocol is part of enhanced security procedures, similar to those used at other international airports, as reported by GACL in a statement. The move comes in response to growing concern over narcotics trafficking through Ghana, with 28 drug busts identified between March 2025 and September 2026, including 11 cocaine cases. President John Dramani Mahama has since formed an inter-agency task force to investigate recent narcotics trafficking cases and develop strategies to prevent drug movement through the country's borders. Ten individuals, including four Customs Division officers, have been detained in connection with ongoing investigations. GACL advises departing passengers to arrive at least three hours prior to their flight to accommodate security screening, check-in, and other boarding procedures. Furthermore, access to the Departure Hall has been limited to traveling passengers only, barring non-traveling individuals from entry. GACL urges all passengers and visitors to cooperate with security agencies during the implementation of these new measures.",
  "summary": "The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has introduced enhanced security screening for all passengers departing through the airport, with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) now conducting pre-screening checks at the entrance to the Departure Hall. Under the new arrangement, passengers will have their luggage screened using scanning machines and sniffer dogs before proceeding to check-in.…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}