Traveller’s smoking luggage at Kotoka International Airport causes fear

The incident, according to the GACL, occurred on Sunday, September 22, 2024, when smoke was detected coming from a piece of luggage.

“Management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) wishes to confirm that on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at approximately 3.27 pm, a passenger’s luggage was detected to be emitting smoke at the baggage wrap area at the Departure Hall, Terminal 3, KIA.

“The Operations Room of Aviation Security Department was immediately alerted, and the luggage in question was swiftly isolated. Passengers in the terminal at the time were quickly evacuated in line with GACL’s Emergency Operations procedures,” a press statement from the GACL said on September 22, 2024.

The statement continued, “The passenger has been handed over to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) for interrogation. Passengers are advised not to travel with batteries, as this is against International Civil Aviation Regulations.

“Any detection of batteries or any other prohibited items or substances in luggage, will be confiscated and the passenger handed over to the authorities for processing.

GACL has reiterated its advisory for passengers to refrain from travelling with batteries or other restricted items, as their detection will result in confiscation and further investigation by authorities.

“Management wishes to thank passengers who were in the departure hall at the time of the incident for their cooperation during the evacuation process.

“The safety of our passengers is paramount,” the statement added.