Management of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has vehemently shot down claims suggesting that the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) is experiencing some operational challenges as well as safety lapses.
The clarification by GACL in a press statement stems from recent reports alleging equipment shortages, staff security concerns, and challenges with restricted access protocols at KIA.
The article cited by GACL reported that there is only one operational vehicle. However, management indicated that “the Airside Operations Section has two dedicated vehicles to support the airside operations, in addition to a fleet of operational vehicles available for round-the-clock use.”
It added that the only three pairs of wands are currently operational is false, explaining that the number of marshalling wands used depends on aircraft movement.
GACL emphasized that “currently there is a surplus of marshalling wands in stock for operations at the company’s central stores.” Reacting to the safety breaches, management added that staff of the Airside Operations Section were distributed with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) in Accra and the regional airports as well.
While declaring the claims false and misleading, GACL alluded that they represent a deliberate attempt to undermine the KIA’s reputation built over time.
To halt the further tarnishing of KIA’s image, GACL has revealed its commitment to deal with individuals and media houses that continue to spread the defamatory allegations through the legal channels.
“Media houses who accept to disseminate defamatory articles without researching the facts will also be dealt with according to the full rigors of the law,” parts of the statement added.
On the subject of enhancing one’s experience at the KIA, management has rolled out measures to improve efficiency at the facility in response to recent complaints over long queues at the Terminal 3 Car Park.
The number of pay points at the Terminal 3 Car Park was increased to six, effective Wednesday, May 7 this year. This move follows consultations between GACL and Propark, the company in charge of managing KIA’s car parks.
To further support the new arrangement, three officers have been deployed to assist customers who prefer to pay via mobile money transfer. In addition, GACL says staff with point-of-sale (POS) machines will be on hand to help those opting for card payments.
Management believes these steps will help reduce congestion and enhance customer experience. “We thank our cherished customers for their patience and continued patronage. Any inconvenience caused as a result of the long queues is deeply regretted,” GACL stated.
Despite these efforts, several airport users have voiced dissatisfaction on social media, calling for more modern, cashless options.
One user urged, “Try eliminate payment of physical cash,” highlighting a desire for an online payment system.
Another user criticized the lack of staff at the CIP lounge pay station, stating, “It is unthinkable that each day, when the main T3 parks are full, customers who are directed to the CIP parking area do not have a pay station working and have to walk back to the main arrivals pay station only to make payment. What will it cost to staff the CIP pay station? It was put there to be used.”
Management has yet to respond to these specific concerns about online payment and the CIP car park station, but the current changes mark a step toward improving the overall parking experience at KIA.
