President Mahama Backs Crackdown on Soliciting Tips at Airport
President John Dramani Mahama has commended aviation institutions for taking a firm stance against the practice of soliciting tips from passengers and visitors at the Accra International Airport.
He said the conduct tarnishes Ghana’s image and undermines efforts to deliver a professional and welcoming experience for travellers.
In his address at the sod-cutting ceremony for the multi-tiered car park and airport hotels complex on Thursday, the President said every worker within the airport ecosystem contributes to the country’s international reputation.
“I am happy that the Ghana Airports Company Limited, 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 stated.
President Mahama said a visitor’s first and last impression of Ghana is shaped by the quality of service received at the airport, including immigration procedures, baggage handling, traffic management and the courtesy of frontline personnel.
He therefore called for a culture of professionalism, discipline and hospitality across the aviation value chain.
The President said modern airports are more than transport facilities, describing them as commercial, logistics, hospitality and business ecosystems that connect people, markets and investment opportunities.
He noted that Ghana’s ambition was not only to attract more passengers but also to become a preferred destination and competitive transit hub in Africa.
President Mahama urged all agencies operating within the airport enclave to uphold high service standards, saying excellent customer service was essential to strengthening Ghana’s competitiveness in the aviation sector.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
