Mindful of the Kotoka International Airport’s (K.I.A.) position as the first point of contact for visitors, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), has instituted measures there to ensure a pleasant experience as well as the security of visitors arriving for the country’s Golden Jubilee celebration.
This is to ensure that they carry good impressions about Ghana back to their home countries.
The Authority has requested a 24-hour police presence to strengthen the security network and has arranged uninterrupted power supply with the provision of electricity power generators.
It has also taken its customer service personnel through a re-orientation exercise.
The acting Deputy Director-General, Financial and Administration, William Orhin, said this in an interview with the Times on preparations that the GCAA has made to cater for the influx of people into the country during the period.
He said, “We are working in collaboration with all allied agencies such as the Immigration, Customs, ports, health and the airlines to ensure that those who enter the country through the airport have a good taste of traditional Ghanaian hospitality.
He said the Ghana Water Company has also installed hydrant points to provide extra water.
Meanwhile, the authority is refurbishing and decorating areas such as the arrival and departure halls.
It has also displayed large portraits of the ‘Big Six” on walls of the tower block.
Ms Elizabeth Baffoe, officer in charge of the Ghana Immigration Service said the service had also instituted contingency measures to cater for visitors.
To facilitate easy and quick processing of travel documents, she said a special room has been designated for the issuing of visa for those who may not have entry visas on arrival.
A central coordinating desk has also been set up to assist people who may need information on entry requirements.
Mr Samuel Quarmine, Chief Collector, of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (KIA), said the CEPs headquarters has responded positively to a request for more men to augment the existing staff in order to facilitate clearance of passengers.
“We have also held discussions with representatives of section ministries and embassies so that those who bring in equipment for use and return are adequately informed of the rules and procedures that they would go through.
“We have also re-oriented our officers on customer-care so that they can handle the passengers with courtesy and diplomacy.”
The Times can confirm that 25 African heads of state are expected to participate in the activities marking the 50th anniversary of independence.
They include the presidents of South Africa, Algeria, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Comoros, Libya, Mozambique, Mali, Nigeria and Namibia.
The others are Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Duke of Kent, Prince Edward will represent Queen Elizabeth of England.
Also expected are Baroness Amos, leader of the UK House of Lords, as well as the heads of the Pan African Parliament, World Bank and the IMF.
American musician Stevie Wonder and football legend Pele are also expected in the country.
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