The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has confirmed the detainment of a passenger whose luggage was found to be emitting smoke at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

The timely intervention of the management of the Ghana Airports Company Limited prevented a chaotic situation after smoke was detected emanating from a passenger's luggage at the airport.

The passenger has since been handed over to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) for interrogation.

"The passenger has been handed over to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) for interrogation,” a statement issued by GACL management confirmed.

Additionally, travelers at the airport were evacuated on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in line with security procedures following the alarming incident at the baggage wrap area in the departure hall of KIA's Terminal 3, where the luggage was isolated.

"Management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) wishes to confirm that on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at approximately 3.27 pm, a passenger's luggage was detected to be emitting smoke at the baggage wrap area at the Departure Hall, Terminal 3, KIA.

"The Operations Room of Aviation Security Department was immediately alerted, and the luggage in question was swiftly isolated. Passengers in the terminal at the time were quickly evacuated in line with GACL's Emergency Operations procedures," the statement read.

Though the cause of the smoke has not been officially determined yet, the statement cautioned travelers to refrain from placing batteries in their luggage.

It also warned that individuals who disregard this directive will be handed over to the authorities for interrogation.

“Passengers are advised not to travel with batteries, as this is against International Civil Aviation Regulations.

"Any detection of batteries or any other prohibited items or substances in luggage, will be confiscated and the passenger handed over to the authorities for processing.

The statement continued, “Management wishes to thank passengers who were in the departure hall at the time of the incident for their cooperation during the evacuation process.

"The safety of our passengers is paramount," the statement concluded.

MAG/MA