US government donates aviation security screening equipment for use at KIA

The U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan, has presented a new aviation security screening equipment for use at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah and the Chief Director of the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Martha Pobee. 

Also present for the occasion were the Director-General of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority Charles Kraikue, and Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited Yaw Kwakwa.

In her remarks, Ambassador Sullivan highlighted that the growth of the aviation sector in Ghana has increased the importance of aviation security, screening, and information sharing.

She noted, “The airport security training and equipment program underscores the robust security cooperation between the United States and Ghana.”

The U.S. and Ghanaian officials commissioned one body scanner and nine explosives and narcotics trace detectors at the passenger checkpoint for outbound flights inside Kotoka International Airport Terminal 3. 

In addition to the state-of-the-art screening technology, the U.S. government has committed to deliver best practices in airport security management and related operator training for the donated equipment.

This equipment grant was implemented by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security Office of Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA), in coordination with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration.

The ATA program provides support for an Aviation Security Enhancement Program (ASEP) in Ghana in close coordination with the Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) and U.S. Embassy Accra.