President John Dramani Mahama has endorsed measures by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other airport agencies to stop workers from soliciting tips from visitors.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Multi-Tiered, Multi-Purpose Car Park and Airport Hotels Complex at the Accra International Airport on Thursday, August 27, the President said the practice damages Ghana’s reputation among international 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 urged workers across the aviation sector to maintain professionalism, discipline and courtesy, noting that every interaction at the airport shapes visitors’ perception of Ghana.
The GACL has already dismissed two car park workers over alleged solicitation of tips from passengers.
The new airport development will include two hotels, more than 2,000 parking spaces, a pedestrian link to the terminal, a shopping mall, food court, retail and office spaces, as well as a sky lounge and observatory.