The Government of Ghana has unveiled an ambitious airport infrastructure modernisation programme aimed at positioning the country as West Africa’s leading aviation hub, with funding anchored on a newly approved passenger-based levy.
The initiative, introduced in the 2026 national budget under the administration of John Dramani Mahama, forms part of a broader economic reset agenda focused on enhancing transport connectivity and logistics efficiency to boost trade, tourism, and investment.
In a directive issued by the Ministry of Transport Ghana to the Board of Airline Representatives Ghana, authorities announced that the Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC) will take effect from April 1, 2026. The levy will apply to all tickets issued from that date for both domestic and international travel, with exemptions for infants, diplomats, and on-duty airline crew.
The AIDC is expected to generate approximately $800 million over the next decade to finance critical aviation infrastructure projects nationwide. Under the approved structure, international passengers will pay $50 per trip, while travellers within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will pay $15, alongside an additional $30 charge for other African routes.
A key flagship project under the programme is the construction of a connecting concourse between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Accra International Airport. The project is expected to eliminate operational bottlenecks caused by the current separation of terminals, enabling smoother passenger transfers and improving overall hub efficiency—an essential factor in attracting airlines and transit traffic.
The integration will also support the operational strategy of Ghana Airports Company Limited by allowing more flexible use of terminal facilities across domestic, regional, and international routes.
Beyond Accra, the programme outlines major upgrades to regional airports to strengthen domestic connectivity and ease pressure on the capital’s main gateway. Planned projects include a multi-storey car park at Kotoka International Airport, a new terminal and runway extension at Wa, a greenfield airport in Bolgatanga, and significant upgrades at Sunyani Airport.
The Sunyani expansion will feature a new terminal, a modern air traffic control tower, and a runway extension to over 2,000 metres—allowing larger aircraft to operate. Currently, the airport is primarily served by Passion Air due to runway limitations, but the upgrade is expected to open access to carriers such as Africa World Airlines.
The financing model signals a shift toward user-pay systems commonly adopted in global aviation, while underlining government’s commitment to long-term sector competitiveness.
Authorities believe the modernisation drive will extend beyond aviation, serving as a catalyst for increased tourism flows, stronger regional trade integration, and enhanced positioning of Ghana within Africa’s evolving air transport network.
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