Ethiopian Airlines, operating extensively in Nigeria, has prohibited the use of the widely recognized “Ghana Must Go” bags on their flights.
The use of the travel bags has also been banned by several airline companies.
The nickname originated in the 1980s during mass expulsions of undocumented immigrants, predominantly Ghanaians, who carried these red-and-blue checked bags as they fled.
These bags have become increasingly popular in both countries and across West and Central Africa.
Citing potential damage to airport equipment, the airline explained that the ban was necessary due to “frequent occurrences of damages to the conveyor belts at various airports, resulting in significant costs incurred by the airlines involved.”
However, an exception remains for the bags if they are “adequately packed in a carton or hardcover rectangular container.”
Not limited to Nigeria, these bags enjoy popularity across Africa and beyond, known by different names such as “Nigeria bags” in Kenya and “Botswana bags” in Zimbabwe.
In 2017, KLM and Air France had previously imposed a ban on these bags, citing concerns about unraveling and potential disruption to baggage delivery systems.
