ACCRA AIRPORT review : 11 May 2008 : by Hans Gross

Customer Rating : 2/5

The number of controls has decreased from former 8 to 6. After the entry I should have shown my ticket, although flying ticketless. I explained them that now most flights are ticketless, hence the control unnecessary. At check-in, I got a boarding card, indicating that I should go to the gate (an uncomfortable place) at 21h30, although the flight was to be at 23h30. At 22h30, I was able to hear an announcement telling to go to the gate 2 (the visual information system did not work). There was a long queu already waiting, so I went back to the hall. The next message heard was that another flight announced for gate 2 was redirected to gate 1. So a flock of people walked away and I went to the gate once more without having to wait for the entry control. I was asked for the ticket, and the same dialogue began as before. They said I could not fly unless I would show a ticket. In order to show what they meant they order another passenger to show 'a ticket'. It was a flight confirmation on a shabby piece of fax paper. I had left the confirmation in the checked-in baggage, but due to a lucky incident I found a preliminary confirmation in my handbag, which was accepted. At departure time, passengers were still coming in with up to 3 handbags and gigantic suit cases, and the flight took with 1 hour of delay. Apparently, they had been accepted although too late. Pack every valuable into your handbag if you don't have a hard suit case.

Accra Kotoka Airport review byMelissa Hartmann

13 February 2007   Customer Rating : n/a

I was in transit through Accra twice recently flying between Johannesburg and London Gatwick on Ghana International. The airport is quite basic but functional, and the staff are all very friendly if not particularly efficient. On the outbound flight, we didn't even enter the terminal building due to a very tight connection but 3 hours on the return was more than enough to explore the very limited options. Any transit longer than 4-5 hours would be unbearable, if only because of the horribly accented announcements every 10 minutes trying to sell you a raffle ticket.

Accra Kotoka Airport review byKwabena Yeboah

30 July 2006

The airport overall has improved from my last visit in 2001, and continues to go thru major renovations to bring it up to modern standards. The departure process has improved and the departure lounge could use updating. The air-conditioning system has significantly improved and is cooler and more consistent. The arrival process has also improved and this time around I was not too harassed by the bribers; I didn't see much of that on arrival however, Ghanaians living abroad are still subjected to minor harassments and covert bribery attempts on both arrival and departures by staffers checking baggage and performing unnecessary baggage checks in attempts to part with travelers belongings. This needs to stop! I hope the renovations are completed by the 2008 African Cup to accommodate the many travelers who will pass through the airport.

Accra Kotoka Airport review byEric Simpson

24 July 2006

I wasn’t sure what to expect on reaching Accra despite having read previous comments. It turned out to be a slightly surreal experience There are no airbridges. Passengers were bussed the short distance from the aircraft to the arrivals wing. A long poorly lit corridor led to the somewhat shabby immigration hall. Not perhaps the best first impression for arriving passengers. Clearing immigration and customs was a slow process however the officials seemed to go out of their way to give first time visitors a beaming “Welcome to Ghana”. Baggage reclaim proved to be a bit of a scrum. The public area of the arrivals level was much brighter and more modern in its décor but it felt somewhat empty and unfinished. The most intimidating aspect was being approached and asked for a tip to provide security by someone clearly eyeing up my luggage. Fortunately the driver meeting me arrived at that moment and whisked me off safely. Departing Accra provided a somewhat different experience. The outside of the Departures level was positively packed, the reason quickly became apparent as only passengers were allowed inside the building. The appearance of the check in area was quite modern although it was not particularly well signposted and had a somewhat stark feel to it. Having joined a very long line at the KLM check in desks I was quickly directed to leave the queue to clear customs, a requirement which departing passengers should undertake before checking in and which was not clearly indicated. Check-in was speedy thanks to a KLM official directing frequent flier card holders to the Business Class desks but passport control and security checks were slow. The large departure lounge has recently been refurbished, it contains an attractive duty free shopping area and refreshment and seating areas. On a less positive note the seats were metal and lacking any form of cushioning were uncomfortable. Public address announcements were almost inaudible. Like the refurbished part of the arrivals level there were vast areas of unoccupied space perhaps awaiting future retail outlets or other passenger facilities. There are two departure gates, one at either end of the lounge. With two flights boarding simultaneously through Gate 2 this is where things broke down. The corridor from the lounge to the departure gate was shabby and the toilets were in a disgusting condition. With 500 or so passengers crowded into the boarding lounge and no apparent PA system airline staff were pushing up and down, shouting at the top of their voices trying to separate passengers into groups for boarding. Two busses were in use transferring passengers from the gate to the two aircraft. Although the process only took about an hour it was a chaotic, hot and very uncomfortable experience. Sadly these last few yards took away the otherwise favourable impression of the Departures level of Kotoka International Airport. I hope that the refurbishment which is underway continues and quickly addresses the shortcomings particularly in the arrivals area.

Accra Kotoka Airport review byGraham Martins

6 March 2006

Accra airport has improved a lot from the old days but still has a long way before it catches up with even its colleagues in Lagos nearby. No jetways, poor airconditioning and dysfunctional signage are only three of the problems it faces. The only saving grace is the friendliness of the hardworking staff. My flights on both Ghana International and Aerocontractors left in the middle of peak hours, but the airline staff did a wonderful job shepherding us through snaking immigration and security lines. There is construction going on everywhere, so it can only bode well for a more improved terminal in due course.

Accra Kotoka Airport review byEric Mensah

21 November 2005

Accra airport has improved tremendously since the start of new national carrier Ghana International Airlines. There is a special chec kin area for the new airline and everything moves quickly and with efficient staff (mix of local Ghanaians and Americans). Immigration checks are still very long and the airconditioning does not work so it is very unpleasant. Duty Free shopping is good and prices are same as London mostly. Boarding area is still under construction so passengers are taken in buses to the planes. Arrivals however is very quick and efficient. My baggage from GIA flight had arrived before I reached the terminal building which is faster than I have seen in any other airport. Overall great potential for the airport if this can be maintained.

Accra Kotoka Airport review byJohn Federspiel

16 November 2005

Having been there three times during the past 18 months, many things have changed for the better. Back in 2004 I was impressed by how quick my baggage turned up and the warm welcome by the immigration officers on my first visit to Ghana. Not so impressed by dirty toilets though, taxi drivers and baggage carriers offering their service "proactively" after arrival, immigration officers worrying me seriously on my first departure from ACC. Summer 2005 clean toilets, working air condition at the departure gates, friendly staff. Duty-free shopping facilities were ridiculously overpriced for some items though. Autumn 2005 quick baggage delivery after arrival, nobody asking for "food money" in the airport, short cues and loads of immigration officers available on departure, - you could actually understand the announcements done through the PA system.

Accra Kotoka Airport review byFadi El-Eter

4 June 2005

Kotoka must be one of the funniest airports I've ever visited. As soon as I arrived, I had the feeling that I arrived to a developing country. First, I had to walk from the airplane to the airport under light rain. Waiting for the luggage was another joke, as it took a hell of a long time, and there was also this guy with a chalk marking all the luggage that were moving on the carpet (no idea why). Eventually, I went to customs (I had nothing to declare), yet my luggage was searched 3 times. It was actually the first time that my luggage got searched in front of me, let alone 3 times by 3 different people. I discovered later that the customs people were doing this in order to get money. Oh and all through the way there were staff asking for money. I specially remember that guy who asked me "What did you get for your nice friends in Africa?". Now when departing, I was amazed to see that the gate looked exactly like my class when I was 11 or 12 I guess: crowded, all people facing the same direction, and no A/C. Bottom line, be prepared for a sub-standard airport and to give some "gifts" to your "friends" whenever you're arriving or leaving this country.

Accra Kotoka Airport review byLi Mu Bai

21 March 2005

I have been using Kotoka International Airport for the past three years and very time I travel, I fear the worst. The airport has only two departure lounges, where passengers seat like they are in school bus, all facing in front. On Fridays and Saturdays, when there are several flights departing almost at the same time, the departure lounges are full to capacity. The situation is worse when flights are delayed, and it is normal to find more 500+ passengers in a lounge meant for not more than 200 people. Air-conditioning in the lounges does not work well, and the TVs make so much noise that it is impossible to hear the announcements. The Duty Free shops are extortion points, selling items for prices that are way above the normal price. Indeed, there are renovations going on at the airport but the benefits are yet to be seen. A couple of years back, customs officers used to connive with “helpers” (trolley pushers) and armed robbers, and several passengers arriving in Accra had their items stolen. The Government moved in and cleared the airport of “helpers”. These people are back again. In addition, there are just too many people asking for payments for the services that they have not rendered.

Accra Kotoka Airport review bySindre Riddervold

28 February 2005

I have been at Accra Kotoka International several times during the last couple of years. You definitely get the feeling of being in a third world country from the moment you arrive. But the facilities at the airport has improved the last years. It is smart to be met by someone at the aiport, especially if you travel alone and it's your first time in Ghana. Be sure to check in at least 3 hours before your flight departs.

Accra Kotoka Airport review byAlfred Blankson

15 August 2004

My seventeen year old daughter was returning to us alone to London. Despite having stamped UK visa and both Ghanaian and British passports, and being a minor, an immigration officer bullied and harassed her on a late night flight (she was last in queue), while she was also feeling feverish. He extorted £100 off her, claiming she was the sister of the person in the passport, and pocketed the money.

Accra Kotoka Airport review byRohit Lakhani

26 May 2004

I've had the pleasure and unique opportunity of checking-in at Accra's Kotoka International Airport on several occasions. The general service and style of the airport that of a third world country airport. Regular delays of flights, inattentive staff, and long, slow-moving queues. However, this all adds to the personality of the airport. It has character. Before your flight, you can grind on some tasty kebabs at the thatched-roof kiosk near the parking lot. I do feel you can enjoy this airport if you go with an open mind and adventurous spirit.

Accra Kotoka Airport review bySasha Tufuor

4 April 2004

Kotoka airport has certainly been "cleaned up" in terms of its appearance. Unfortunately I cannot say the same about its personnel staff. My most recent encounter with Kotoka airport was on 31 March 2004. It's certainly left me disappointed enough to want to write this email. Having arrived over 2hrs early in order to check in for my flight, I then had to endure the following frustrating events. Having checked in, I made my way to what appears to be a "Security Point". I was asked to complete an immigration card. As I didn't have a pen, I asked a member of staff to lend me his. I was totally ignored. Another traveller (a Ghanian man), who was obviously as embarrassed as I by this apparent curtness, informed me that I would be seen to soon. Meanwhile, an official with his family were waved through before my request was attended to. This particular member of staff made no attempt by way of an apology for ignoring me for a over five minutes. I completed the card and handed it over. He took it, examined it along with my travel documents and then waved me on like a naughty school child (I felt sufficiently humiliated to feel like a 10 yr old and not an adult of 37yrs). I then foolishly made the mistake of wanting to purchase a drink in the bar next to the Duty Free Shop. I requested a glass of wine from a female bar staff. She advised me that I could only purchase a bottle of wine and then walked away before I could even enquire about an alternative drink. I was sufficiently aghast enough to just stand rooted for a minute or so. Another bar staff noted this, approached me and asked if I required a service. I informed her that I did but I didn't think I would receive it (I then went and sat down). Having eventually made it to the departure lounge, I found myself along with other passengers, waiting for over an hour to board tour plan. There were no announcements to explain this delay. In actually fact, the apology came from the captain  (KLM). I can only say that I feel sufficiently frustrated and humiliated enough to seriously consider not returning back to Ghana in the immediate future.

Accra Kotoka Airport review bySandra Appeti

11 March 2004

Kotoka is looking great especially with the recent renovations which have taken place. It would be nice however if there were trained personnel to run it. I spent a lot of time travelling to and from Kotoka during my Dec 03 – Jan 04 trip due to baggage delays. To say I was frustrated would be an understatement. Not living in Ghana means my mode of travelling was by taxi. Kotoka however does not permit taxis to park at the accessible car parks except private cars. When you have luggage it is a nightmare. I had to cross 2 lanes of busy traffic to get to a taxi with 3 heavy suitcases because the car park attendant will not even let the taxi drive into one of the accessible car parks to collect my luggage. The Staff are rude, from car park attendants who are unsympathetic and lack flexibility to custom officials who will harass you if you look like an easy target. Not forgetting security guards who are constantly begging for change. Even Staff at the customer service desk are not helpful and I found myself asking one of the staff what the point of having a customer service desk was. All in all, customer service seems non existent in Kotoka unless you are willing to wave money around.

Accra Kotoka Airport review byStephan Neuhaeuser

26 February 2004

Kotoka is a wild airport! Confirm your return flights early (its a must!) and check in as early as you can (e.g. it is possible to check in in the morning if you leave in the evening) - as a foreigner you will probably end up paying a local a small sum for "helping" you to accomplish check in. These "helpers" can be very insisting. And then leave the airport for a cool drink at the Shangri-La Hotel, a 5 minutes taxi ride away. Finding a taxi is no problem, as there is a big competition in the taxi business. At the airport there are practically no bars, restaurants and only a few shopping outlets. Waiting is not very comfortable.

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