KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KIA)

Kotoka International Airport (KIA) currently stands as Ghana’s sole operational International Airport and serves as the flagship border control post for the Service, owing to its pivotal role in aviation sector management and the substantial volume of human traffic it manages.

The mandate of the KIA Command includes facilitating the processing of passengers through arrival and departure controls, ensuring document security, and compiling statistical data.

The Command is presently led by Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) Mrs. Edith Penelope Arhin.

DCOI Mrs. Edith Penelope Arhin

(Regional Commander)

FUNCTIONS

The Ghana Immigration Service at Kotoka International Airport plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, security, and legal compliance of travellers entering or leaving a country. The major functions are as follows:

1. 1. Border Control and Security: Ghana Immigration service is responsible for enforcing a country’s laws regarding the entry and exit of individuals. This involves checking that travellers have valid documentation (passports, visas, etc.) and that they are not on any watch lists or have any security-related issues.

• Verification of Identity: Immigration officers ensure that the individual’s identity matches the information in their travel documents, preventing impersonation or identity fraud.

• Counter-Terrorism and Criminal Prevention: Immigration checks help identify individuals who might pose a security risk, preventing the entry of individuals with ties to terrorism, organized crime, or other security threats.

2. Visa and Immigration Status Check: Ghana Immigration Service officers verify that travellers meet the visa and immigration requirements for entering the country. This includes checking the type of visa, expiration dates, and whether the traveller is allowed to enter for the purpose stated in their visa.

• Visa Validation: Checking if travellers hold valid visas or are eligible for visa-waiver programs.

• Immigration Status Assessment: Ensuring that travellers comply with the conditions of their visa (e.g., time limit, work rights, etc.).

3. Prevention of Illegal migration: Ghana Immigration service is responsible for preventing individuals from entering a country illegally. This includes monitoring and assessing whether travellers are attempting to evade immigration control or enter under false pretences.

• Document Fraud Detection: Immigration officials examine documents for signs of tampering or counterfeiting.

• Refusal of Entry: If travellers do not meet legal entry requirements, they may be denied entry and returned to their point of departure.

• Passenger Information: Immigration officers collect details such as travel history, purpose of visit, and contact information.

• Biometric Data: Biometric data (fingerprints, facial recognition) are captured using PISCES to improve identity verification.

 LOCATION AND CONTACT DETAILS:

Kotoka International Airport (KIA) is located in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Specifically, the airport is situated in the Airport City area of Accra, approximately 10 kilometers northeast of the central business district.

Postal Address: KA PMB 36 KIA

    Airport-Accra, Ghana

Telephone: 0299330886

Email address: gis.kia@immigration.gov.gh

Digital address: GL-125-6946