Transport Minister defends new airport levy, cites infrastructure needs
The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has justified the introduction of the Airport Infrastructure Development Levy at the Kotoka International Airport, describing it as essential to addressing infrastructure gaps and improving passenger experience.
The levy, which took effect on April 1, requires domestic passengers to pay GHS100, while international travellers are charged $100. Passengers within the ECOWAS sub-region and other regional routes will pay $15.
The new charges have sparked public debate, with some travellers raising concerns about the cost and timing. However, the Minister insists the policy is necessary to fund critical upgrades that have been pending for years.
Speaking to journalists during a media engagement, Mr Nikpe said the decision was driven by the urgent need to modernise ageing infrastructure, beginning with sanitation systems.
“All over the sub-region, our airports are in very deplorable states,” he said. “From 2012, Ghana Airports Company did not make any comprehensive levies or charges to upgrade our airports. Our sewage treatment plant is 25 years old and almost at full capacity.”
He warned that delaying action could result in serious sanitation challenges.
“If we do not do something about that sewage treatment plant, one day we will see a reversal of whatever waste we put inside,” he cautioned.
The Minister also highlighted congestion at the airport as a growing concern, particularly during peak periods, noting that current parking facilities are inadequate.
“Our car park is too small to the point that cars overflow onto the streets, creating a lot of traffic congestion,” he said.
To ease the situation, government plans to construct a modern, expanded car park with short-stay options and hotel-style amenities to better serve passengers, especially those in transit.
Mr Nikpe added that the levy will support broader expansion works, including improving connectivity within the airport. A key project is the construction of a connecting concourse between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
He explained that although Terminal 2 is currently underutilised, it is being upgraded to handle both domestic and international flights. However, the lack of a direct link between the two terminals has created inconvenience for passengers.
The planned concourse will include lounges and other passenger facilities to ensure smoother movement between terminals.
He noted that the project will allow transit passengers to move seamlessly within the airport and connect to international flights without having to exit and re-enter the terminal or rely on shuttle services.
The Minister further disclosed that government is planning to construct three additional airports in Sunyani, Wa, and Bolgatanga to support economic activity and improve regional connectivity.
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