On June 3rd, 2024, I had an unsettling experience going through immigration at Accra's Kotoka International Airport.

As I arrived at the immigration counter, the officer demanded that I remove all belongings from my pockets and bags for searching. When I explained that I could not remove a particular item because it was a medical stoma bag attached to my abdomen, the officer became confrontational.

For those unfamiliar, a stoma is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows for the passage of waste from the body. It is connected to an adhesive bag that collects the waste. Stoma bags cannot simply be removed and must remain attached at all times.

Despite my attempts to calmly educate the immigration officer about stoma bags and that they cannot be detached, he became aggressive and accusatory. He claimed I was being evasive and may be hiding contraband.

I offered to step aside for a private screening room to explain further, but he refused but later I was placed in a private room searched with nothing found.

The officer then began loudly making false claims to his colleagues that I had refused to comply with screening procedures. This created a scene and drew more officials over in an unconstructive manner.

Eventually, after I firmly reiterated the medical facts about stoma bags, a supervisor also intervened with an attitude.

However, the situation was traumatic, undignified, and utterly avoidable had the frontline officer had some basic training and awareness about ostomy bags and other critical medical devices.

This incident highlights the vital need for continuous training of airport personnel regarding how to respectfully and properly screen travellers with medical equipment and ostomy appliances.

A little knowledge can go a long way toward avoiding stressful situations, and discriminatory treatment, and universally upholding travellers' rights and dignity.

Airport security is essential, but it must be balanced with an understanding that some travellers have medical needs just as legitimate as strict screening procedures.

I urge aviation authorities to prioritize training that will allow officers to protect safety while avoiding uncomfortable situations for travellers with specialised medical devices and conditions. A compassionate, informed approach benefits all.

A victim of GH immigration service 3/6/24

Richard A

UK.