The Ministry of Transport has defended the newly introduced Airport Infrastructure Development Charge, insisting the measure is essential to fund critical upgrades across the country’s aviation facilities.
The levy, which came into force on April 1, 2026, requires intercontinental travellers to pay $100, while domestic passengers are charged GH¢100.
Speaking to journalists in Parliament on April 2, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, explained that the revenue generated will support efforts to modernise airport infrastructure and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness as an aviation hub in Africa.
According to him, several priority projects have already been identified, including the rehabilitation of an ageing sewerage system, expansion of parking space, and the development of a hotel facility for transit passengers.
“Our sewage treatment plant is over 25 years old and almost at full capacity. We also face serious congestion at the car park, especially during peak hours, with vehicles spilling onto the streets,” he said.
He further noted that the proposed expansion will address persistent congestion challenges at the airport, particularly during peak periods.
“Every day when you pass at the airport peak hours, our car park is too small to the point that the cars overflow to the street and create traffic congestion. We need a new car park at the airport.
“Other airports, you will have short stay assuming you have a connecting flight that will take you three to four hours and you needed some rest, there should be some hotel facility so the car park will come with hotel facility attached to it so that it will create some comfort for our travelers,” he stated.
The Minister also revealed plans to construct a connecting concourse between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, aimed at improving passenger movement and providing additional amenities, including lounges.
“The biggest one is connecting concourse between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. We are building connecting concourse that will have other facilities like lounges to serve our passengers,” he added.
Mr. Nikpe indicated that since 2012, Ghana Airports Company Limited has not implemented comprehensive levies to support large-scale infrastructure development, making the new charge necessary to bridge existing gaps.
He maintained that the initiative forms part of broader government efforts to improve efficiency, enhance passenger experience, and strengthen Ghana’s position within the regional aviation industry.
