Members of the Minority on Parliament’s Roads and Highways Committee have strongly opposed the newly introduced airport infrastructure levy, arguing that it places an unnecessary financial burden on air travellers.
The levy, which took effect on April 1, 2026, has already triggered an increase in airfares across domestic and international routes. Under the new arrangement, passengers on domestic flights are required to pay an additional GH¢100, while international travellers face extra charges ranging between $50 and $100.
According to the Minority, the justification for the levy remains unclear, particularly as passengers are already subject to various charges for the use of airport facilities. The Ranking Member of the Committee, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, questioned the rationale behind the policy, insisting that it amounts to double charging.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News on Thursday, April 2, he described the GH¢100 fee on domestic flights as excessive, warning that it could discourage air travel within the country.
The introduction of the levy has also raised concerns about its potential impact on Ghana’s tourism industry. The Minority cautioned that higher travel costs could deter both local and international travellers, ultimately affecting the country’s competitiveness as a destination.
Government, however, maintains that the charge is necessary to finance critical aviation infrastructure projects. Planned developments include the construction of a connecting concourse between Terminals 2 and 3 at Kotoka International Airport, expansion of parking facilities at Terminal 3, and rehabilitation works at regional airports.
The levy is expected to generate approximately $800 million over the next decade to support these projects.
Despite these projections, critics argue that passing the cost directly onto passengers could make Ghana one of the more expensive aviation markets in Africa. Airlines have already adjusted ticket prices to reflect the new charges, further intensifying concerns among travellers and industry players.
