President John Dramani Mahama has launched a major infrastructure project at the Accra International Airport aimed at easing congestion, expanding parking capacity and improving the overall passenger experience.
The President on Wednesday cut the sod for the construction of a seven-storey, multi-purpose car park and airport hotels complex, which is expected to be completed within 24 months.
The development will provide about 2,030 covered parking bays, alongside two hotels, a shopping mall, food court, retail and office spaces, a pedestrian connection to Terminal Three, a sky lounge and a sky observatory for aircraft viewing.
President Mahama said the project had become necessary as rising passenger numbers continued to place pressure on parking facilities, airport roads, pick-up and drop-off points and other services within the airport enclave.
He said passenger traffic at the Accra International Airport had increased from 1.8 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2025, reflecting Ghana’s growing air connectivity and attractiveness to business travellers, tourists and investors.
According to the President, the new development was intended to ensure that airport infrastructure expanded ahead of demand rather than waiting for congestion and service challenges to become unmanageable.
“The lesson from that investment is clear: infrastructure must anticipate growth. We cannot wait until congestion becomes unmanageable. Services deteriorate and opportunities are lost before we take action. Responsible leadership requires us to plan and to build ahead,” he said.
President Mahama said the project was not simply a parking facility but an integrated development designed to serve passengers, airlines, businesses, tourists and the wider public.
He explained that the multi-storey design would maximise the use of limited land within the airport enclave while creating space for additional commercial and airport-related services.
Government targets broader aviation expansion
The President also used the occasion to announce measures aimed at supporting Ghana’s domestic aviation industry.
He disclosed that he had assented to a new Ghana Customs Act that removes duties and taxes on aircraft spare parts imported by domestic airlines.
He said the measure was intended to reduce maintenance costs and improve the safety of domestic airlines.
“We want to make domestic airlines safer. If they bring in spare parts to maintain their aircraft, they will come in duty-free and tax-free,” he said.
President Mahama also announced preparations for the construction of airports in Bolgatanga, Wa and Nsoatre near Sunyani, as part of efforts to expand aviation infrastructure beyond Accra.
He said the investments were necessary to strengthen connectivity and support Ghana’s ambition of developing a competitive aviation sector.
The President recalled that Ghana’s major aviation infrastructure expansion began with the construction of Terminal Three in 2014, following increasing passenger numbers and capacity constraints at Terminal Two.
He said the experience demonstrated the importance of investing in infrastructure before existing facilities became overwhelmed.
“Anyone who has travelled through a busy airport will acknowledge that the passenger experience begins long before you check in and it does not end after you have collected your baggage,” he said.
“Access, parking, movement, safety, convenience and hospitality are all essential parts of that experience.”
GACL says project will improve passenger convenience
Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Mrs Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, said the car park and hotels complex formed part of ongoing efforts to modernise the Accra International Airport.
She said the project would improve passenger convenience and enhance services within the airport enclave.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe described the development as another significant milestone in the government’s efforts to modernise and expand Ghana’s aviation infrastructure.
He said the project would contribute to improving passenger experience while supporting the broader development of the country’s aviation sector.
