{
  "id": 191869,
  "title": "GACL introduces hotline, ‘name and shame’ policy to tackle extortion at airports",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/gacl-introduces-hotline-name-and-shame-policy-to-tackle-extortion-at",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-05T20:17:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/gacl-introduces-hotline-name-and-shame-policy-to-tackle-extortion-at-airports/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has launched a new 'name and shame' policy and hotline to combat extortion and begging by airport personnel. This initiative, announced on August 5, 2026, aims to enhance passenger experience and promote accountability. During a high-level meeting, GACL outlined various measures, including the \"mystery shopping\" program, where offenders will be publicly exposed through media outlets. The 'name and shame' approach is designed to discourage misconduct, with offenders facing disciplinary action and being barred from working at any airport. A dedicated hotline (0542175636) has been set up for passengers to report extortion incidents via calls, WhatsApp, or SMS. Complainants must provide specific details such as the incident date and time, the officer's name, agency, and location. GACL encourages travelers to verify airport personnel's identities by requesting their Airport Identification Card and to keep receipts for all payments made at the airport. Suspicious transactions or misconduct should be reported through the hotline. The policy gains support from various aviation stakeholders, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Service, National Security, and other service providers. GACL emphasizes the importance of public backing to maintain Ghana's airports' reputation and solidify the country's position as a preferred aviation hub in West Africa.",
  "summary": "The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), in collaboration with key airport stakeholders, has announced a series of measures aimed at eliminating extortion and begging by personnel operating at airports across the country.",
  "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."
}