President John Dramani Mahama yesterday cut the sod for the construction of an interconnecting concourse to link Terminals Two and Terminal Three at the Accra International Airport.
He described the project as a strategic intervention to address growing congestion and position Ghana as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.
“Today’s event is not merely ceremonial, it is strategic. It reflects the government’s deliberate commitment to expand critical infrastructure in our aviation space to support growth, enhance competitiveness and position Ghana as a leading aviation hub in West Africa,” the President said.
Passenger traffic at the airport had risen significantly from 1.8 million passengers in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2025, underscoring Ghana’s growing connectivity and appeal as a destination of choice.
The President, however, said that growth came with pressure, saying congestion during peak hours between 1800 and 2200 GMT was already affecting check-in, immigration, security screening, boarding and baggage handling.
“If these are not addressed, the pressure will undermine efficiency and erode the pleasant passenger experience,” he said.
Project
When completed, the connecting concourse will deliver five passenger boarding air bridges, have a modern waiting and holding areas, premium and VIP lounges, retail and commercial facilities and enhanced passenger service infrastructure.
The project is intended to transform how passengers move within the airport, enable seamless, secure and efficient connectivity between the two terminals, while improving aircraft turnaround time and enhancing passenger handling at transit points.
The President said that the Terminal Two repurposing project, which would transform the facility into a dual-purpose terminal capable of handling both domestic and international traffic, would complement the concourse project.
“I hear some airlines are reluctant to move to Terminal Two. But what I have gone to see at Terminal Two today, I am sure when we finish, they will be begging us to move there,” he said.
Multi-storey car park
President Mahama further said that plans were advanced for the construction of a seven-storey 2,000-bay multi-storey car park at Terminal Three, which would incorporate retail and dining areas, a sky-view lounge and a dual-concept airport hotel featuring both budget and luxury sections, as well as conference rooms and business spaces.
“This development will ease parking constraints, expand non-aeronautical revenue streams and support the 24-hour economy policy, thereby creating jobs and stimulating economic activity,” he said.
Regional airports
The President also said that procurement processes were ongoing to develop new regional airports in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region and Wa in the Upper West Region, and in Nsuatre to serve Sunyani.
“All these projects will boost regional trade, tourism and investment, while ensuring that no part of Ghana is left out in the development of our aviation sector,” he said.
Other projects include the extension of the Kumasi Airport runway to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft, the installation of new 3D scanners in both terminals, and the completion of a nearly 54-metre new air traffic control tower with ultra-modern equipment at AIA.
National airline
The President further said that he would be meeting with the task force working towards the re-establishment of a national airline this week.
He also announced the launch of a new e-visa system, stating: “You no longer need to go to a Ghana embassy to apply physically for a visa.
You go online, you submit all your documents and the visa will be issued directly to you.”
President Mahama commended the Minister of Transport, the Board and Management of Ghana Airport Company Limited, engineers, architects and technical teams working on the projects.
“Ghana is ready to lead, ready to compete and ready to build world-class infrastructure that matches our ambitions,” President Mahama said.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
