Passengers travelling through Terminals 2 and 3 of the Accra International Airport will no longer be required to remove laptops, shoes, belts, liquids, aerosols and gels during security screening following the installation of new security screening equipment by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).

The company announced the deployment of the new technology in a public notice, describing it as a state-of-the-art security screening system designed to enhance aviation security while improving passenger convenience.

"The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) is pleased to announce the deployment of new, state-of-the-art security screening equipment at the passenger screening checkpoints in Terminals 2 and 3 of Accra International Airport," the notice stated.

Under the previous screening process, passengers were required to remove laptops and other large electronic devices from their cabin baggage for separate inspection. They were also often required to remove their belts and shoes before proceeding through security checkpoints.

Additionally, liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) had to be separated from carry-on baggage and screened independently.

With the introduction of the new system, these requirements have largely been eliminated.

According to GACL, "Laptops and other large electronic devices can now remain in your cabin baggage during screening."

The company further stated that passengers may now proceed through screening without removing their shoes and belts, except in situations where additional security profiling is required.

"Unless otherwise required during security profiling, passengers may proceed through screening with footwear and belts on," the notice said.

The new technology also allows passengers to keep liquids, aerosols and gels in their cabin baggage during screening.

"Passengers can now keep Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) in their cabin baggage during screening as separate screening of LAGs may not be required," GACL noted.

However, the company clarified that existing restrictions on liquid quantities remain in force.

"Kindly note that security regulations still prohibit LAGs that exceed 100ml in volume per container," it added.

GACL indicated that the upgrade is also expected to improve efficiency and reduce waiting times at security checkpoints through the introduction of an Automatic Tray Return System.

"A new Automatic Tray Return System will quickly return trays to passengers for repacking of divested items," the company said.

According to GACL, the transition to the new screening system will be undertaken gradually to ensure a smooth implementation process.

"Migration onto the new system will be done progressively or in phases and alongside the existing procedures and equipment," the notice stated.

The company appealed to passengers and other stakeholders to cooperate as operations with the new equipment commence.

"Ghana Airports Company Limited kindly requests the cooperation of all passengers and stakeholders as we commence operations with the new equipment in the coming days," it said.

The installation of the new screening equipment marks a significant shift from the traditional screening process at the airport and is expected to improve passenger experience while maintaining aviation security standards.