The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has instituted a ban on the use of matted woven bags, commonly referred to as Ghana-Must-Go bags, across airports in the country. This prohibition, outlined in a circular signed by the Manager of Airport Services titled “Re: Prohibition of Usage of Ghana Must Go,” extends not only to airlines but also to passengers.
Ghana-Must-Go bags have enjoyed widespread popularity among Nigerians and other African countries, notably Ghana. However, FAAN revealed that the nation’s airlines were incurring substantial costs due to damages caused by these bags, particularly in relation to the breakdowns in the conveyor belt systems at airports.
The circular explicitly conveyed FAAN’s concerns about the detrimental impact of Ghana-Must-Go bags on airport operations, prompting the directive for a comprehensive ban. Airlines operating in Nigeria were instructed to communicate this development to their passengers and travel partners.
Effective from November 25, 2023, the ban is now operational in several airports. Passengers are strongly advised to forego the use of Ghana-Must-Go bags and opt for cartons or similar sturdy containers for packing their belongings. Additionally, any luggage brought in the prohibited bags must be adequately wrapped before acceptance at the airports.
In a related development, the General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines Nigeria, Wondwossen Beyene, issued a statement informing travelers of similar restrictions on irregularly shaped packages. He emphasized that woven sacks are strictly prohibited unless adequately packed in a carton or hardcover rectangular containers. This restriction aims to address the frequent damages to conveyor belts at various airports, incurring significant costs for the airlines involved.
