Mahama Supports Crackdown On Airport Workers Begging Visitors For Tips
President John Dramani Mahama has endorsed efforts by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other airport agencies to clamp down on workers who solicit or beg passengers and visitors for tips.
According to the President, such conduct damages Ghana’s image in the eyes of international travellers and urged workers within the aviation sector to demonstrate professionalism, discipline and good hospitality.
President Mahama made the comments on Thursday, August 27, 2026, during the sod-cutting ceremony for the Multi-Tiered, Multi-Purpose Car Park and Airport Hotels Complex at the Accra International Airport.
He noted that the conduct of workers at various points within the airport plays an important role in shaping how visitors perceive Ghana.
He cited services ranging from immigration and baggage handling to traffic management and other airport operations as areas where workers interact directly with travellers.
“I’m happy that the Ghana Airports Company Limited and the Civil Aviation Authority and other institutions working at the airport are taking a tough stance against soliciting and begging visitors for tips. It reflects very badly on our country,” he said.
President Mahama further called for stronger standards of professionalism and courtesy across the aviation sector, saying these are necessary to ensure visitors have a positive experience in Ghana.
“Every institution and every worker at this airport contributes to Ghana’s image,” he said, adding that the welcome at immigration, efficiency in baggage handling, cleanliness and courtesy of service providers all shape visitors’ first and last impressions of the country.
As part of the measures to address the practice, GACL has dismissed two car park workers over allegations that they solicited tips from passengers.
The airport is also set to undergo significant development under the new project, which will include two hotels, over 2,000 parking spaces, a pedestrian link to the terminal and a shopping mall featuring a food court, retail outlets and office spaces.
The development will also provide a sky lounge and sky observatory designed to give visitors an opportunity to view aircraft.
