The directive also prohibits passengers and crew members from stowing the devices in any checked baggage, even when turned off.
A press statement released on Monday by the GCAA said the new directive follows the recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 due to several reported cases of overheating or outright explosions during charging.
The Authority said “Pursuant to the powers conferred on the Director-General by section 9 of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority Act 2014, Act 678, (as amended by section 3 of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority Act (Amendment) Act 2015, Act 9060 this directive is hereby made to take immediate effect from the date of this publication.”
According to the GCAA, this directive shall form part of the safety briefing to passengers on board all airlines operating in Ghana, and operating into and out of the country until further notice.
The US Federal Aviation Administration also issued a similar warning on Saturday after Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia restricted the use Samsung Note 7 in their aircrafts.
Samsung announced early this month that it had recalled at least 2.5 million units of the flagship smartphone from 10 markets due to faulty battery causing the phones to catch fire while charging. It also offered full refunds or replacement devices fitted with safe batteries.
(Selorm) | 
(Nana Kwesi)