Real-time passenger data system takes off at KIA -

Ghana has launched a state-of-the-art real-time passenger data system at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to strengthen aviation security and enhance travel efficiency,

The new Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems are designed to allow security agencies to collect and process vital passenger information before individuals arrive in or depart from the country.

The new system is expected to significantly boost national security by enabling authorities to identify potential threats in advance.

It will also accelerate immigration and customs procedures, reducing delays and improving the overall passenger experience at Ghana’s busiest international airport.

Modern tech meets aviation security

The commissioning of the API/PNR Centre was marked by the inauguration of a new Air Navigation Services building, both milestones in the ongoing modernization of Ghana’s aviation infrastructure.
The high-tech data facility represents a major investment in digital transformation, allowing for more efficient coordination between various security and travel agencies.

Speaking at the launch, President John Mahama lauded the initiative as a critical component of Ghana’s long-term development and digital governance agenda.

He called on the Ministers for Transport, Interior, and Foreign Affairs to collaborate closely in extending the API and PNR systems nationwide.

This, he said, would lay the foundation for the swift implementation of Ghana’s long-awaited e-visa programme.

E-visa push to position Ghana as gateway to West Africa

President Mahama described the e-visa system as “a critical tool” in simplifying travel for foreign nationals, while making Ghana a more appealing destination for investors, tourists, and global talent.

He emphasised the importance of fast-tracking its deployment, stating that modernising border management is essential to achieving Ghana’s broader economic and development ambitions.

“The e-visa initiative is not just about convenience,” the President said. “It is about positioning Ghana as a gateway to West Africa, encouraging innovation in border security, and supporting the growth of our tourism and business sectors.”

The e-visa initiative, which will allow travellers to apply for visas online prior to arrival, is expected to cut processing times, reduce administrative burdens, and improve Ghana’s global image as a travel-friendly nation.

As Ghana continues to recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic and revamp its travel and tourism industry, the introduction of the API/PNR system and the push for e-visas have been widely welcomed by stakeholders.

Industry players and security analysts see the move as timely, especially as countries across the region compete to attract investment and revive tourism.

The new system is also expected to strengthen inter-agency coordination, help combat transnational crime, and support regional travel protocols.

With tourism projected to rebound globally, Ghana’s adoption of advanced digital travel systems places it in a strong position to compete as a leading business and travel hub in the West African sub-region.

The launch of the API and PNR systems at Kotoka International Airport marks not just a technological upgrade, but a forward-looking shift in how Ghana manages border control, national security, and economic opportunity.