Ghana Targets Transit Passenger Growth With Major Airport Expansion Plans
By Gifty Ruth Odamtten
The Ghana Airports Company Limited is advancing ambitious infrastructure expansion plans at the Accra International Airport as part of a broader strategy to position Ghana as a preferred transit hub in West Africa.
Government officials say the upgrades, to be funded through the newly implemented Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC), are designed to significantly enhance passenger experience while attracting transit traffic through Accra.
The AIDC, which took effect on April 1, 2026, is expected to generate approximately $800 million over a 10-year period to finance critical aviation infrastructure.
Under the approved framework, international passengers are charged US$50 per trip. Travelers within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) pay US$15 per trip, while other African routes cost US$30 per trip. The Ministry of Transport holds these funds.
In a Facebook post, Ghana’s Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, indicated that current facilities, particularly at Terminal 3, are under pressure, with the existing 513-capacity car park proving inadequate during peak hours.
To address this, GACL is set to commence construction of a seven-storey car park with 2,000 parking bays by mid-2026, aimed at easing congestion and improving passenger flow.
Beyond parking infrastructure, the expansion includes a 4,000 square metre retail complex featuring shopping outlets and restaurants, as well as a sky-view lounge designed to enhance the airport experience for both passengers and visitors.
A major highlight of the project is the development of a two-tier airport hotel facility, comprising a 250-room budget hotel and a 120-room luxury hotel. The facility is expected to cater to transit passengers, including those on long layovers or disrupted flights, while also supporting Ghana’s growing role as a connecting hub.
Additionally, a conference centre and business facilities are planned to attract corporate travellers and position the airport as a multi-functional aviation and commercial hub.
The integrated approach, combining infrastructure, hospitality, and retail, signals a deliberate shift toward capturing high-value transit traffic, a key driver of airport competitiveness globally.
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