The government has announced plans to convert Terminal 2 of the Kotoka International Airport into a multipurpose terminal as part of broader efforts to reduce congestion and improve passenger experience, particularly during peak travel periods.
The initiative is expected to significantly ease pressure on Terminal 3, which currently handles the bulk of international passenger traffic and frequently experiences overcrowding during evening hours.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, January 13.
In his submission, the minister highlighted structural imbalances in the current utilisation of airport infrastructure, noting that while Terminal 3 is often overstretched at peak times, Terminal 2 remains comparatively underused during the same periods.
According to Hon. Nikpe, the disparity has contributed to congestion challenges that affect passenger comfort, processing efficiency, and the overall travel experience at Ghana’s main international airport.
He told the committee that evenings are particularly problematic for Terminal 3, which handles most international departures and arrivals, resulting in crowded check-in areas, longer queues at security and immigration, and general strain on facilities.
“We experience a lot of congestion in the evenings at Terminal 3. We have Terminal 2 that is not that busy when it gets to peak hours,” the minister said, underscoring the need for a more balanced approach to terminal usage.
Construction of a Concourse
To address the situation, the Ministry of Transport, working with relevant aviation authorities, has proposed the construction of a connecting concourse between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
Hon. Nikpe explained that the planned concourse would allow for the seamless movement of passengers between the two terminals, enabling international flights and passengers to be shared across both facilities.
He said the idea is to optimise existing infrastructure rather than rely solely on Terminal 3, which was originally designed to handle a specific passenger capacity that is now being tested by increasing traffic volumes.
The connecting concourse, once completed, will make it possible for international passengers to be processed through Terminal 2 during peak periods, thereby reducing congestion and improving operational efficiency.
“The mind is to do a connecting concourse between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 just to facilitate the movement of our international passengers so that we can share Terminal 2 with Terminal 3 for our international passengers”.
Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe
The minister disclosed that the project has been designated as a high priority government initiative and is scheduled for implementation in 2026. He noted that planning and preparatory work are being aligned with broader aviation sector reforms aimed at improving service delivery, safety, and passenger satisfaction at the Kotoka International Airport.
Once the project is completed, Terminal 2 will be reconfigured to function as a multipurpose terminal, serving both domestic and international flights. This marks a significant shift from its current role, which is largely focused on domestic operations and limited international use.
Provision of Greater Flexibility
The change is expected to provide greater flexibility in flight scheduling and passenger management, particularly during high traffic periods such as holidays and major international events.
“It is a high government priority project which will bring some kind of comfort to our international passengers. Terminal 2 will now be a multipurpose terminal for domestic and international”.
Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe
Aviation sector analysts say the proposed conversion could have far reaching benefits if effectively implemented. By distributing passenger traffic more evenly across terminals, airport authorities can improve turnaround times, reduce congestion related stress for travelers, and enhance Ghana’s image as a regional aviation hub.
The initiative could also support airlines by improving boarding and arrival processes, especially for international carriers operating during peak evening hours.
The announcement comes amid growing passenger numbers at Kotoka International Airport, driven by increased regional connectivity, tourism, business travel, and the activities of Ghana’s national carrier.
While Terminal 3 has been widely praised for its modern facilities since its commissioning, rising traffic has exposed capacity constraints that now require strategic interventions.
Members of the Public Accounts Committee welcomed the explanation from the minister and emphasized the need for prudent financial planning and effective oversight to ensure that the project is delivered on schedule and within budget. Some committee members also stressed the importance of minimizing disruption to airport operations during the construction phase.
The Ministry of Transport has assured stakeholders that the project will be implemented in close collaboration with the Ghana Airports Company Limited and other relevant agencies to ensure safety, efficiency, and continuity of service. Further details on funding arrangements and construction timelines are expected to be announced as planning progresses.
As Ghana continues to position itself as a key aviation gateway in West Africa, the planned conversion of Terminal 2 into a multipurpose terminal represents a strategic effort to make better use of existing infrastructure while enhancing passenger comfort and operational resilience at the country’s premier airport.
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