Passengers travelling through Kotoka International Airport will no longer be required to routinely remove shoes and belts during security screening from August 2026, following the installation of new screening technology.

John Dramani Mahama announced the move on Monday during the launch of Ghana’s electronic visa (E-visa) system at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City.

According to the President, the new equipment is intended to strengthen aviation security while improving passenger convenience and reducing delays at security checkpoints.

“We are receiving and installing new equipment that will spare travellers using our airports the inconvenience of having to remove their shoes and their belts,” he said.

The upgraded screening system forms part of the government’s broader efforts to modernise airport operations and position Ghana as a leading aviation and travel hub in West Africa.

The move is expected to improve passenger processing times, shorten queues and enhance operational efficiency for airlines at Kotoka International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the subregion.

The development also comes alongside the rollout of Ghana’s new E-visa platform aimed at simplifying entry procedures for international travellers and boosting tourism, investment and business travel.

The government is expected to announce further details on the implementation timeline and whether similar systems will be introduced at other airports across the country.