President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s ambition to become the leading aviation hub in West Africa following the official sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of an interconnected concourse linking Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at the Accra International Airport in Accra.
Speaking at the event, President Mahama described the project as a strategic investment designed to improve efficiency, strengthen passenger experience, and support Ghana’s long term economic growth through aviation development.
“Today’s ceremony marks the start of construction of the connected concourse between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. “Today’s event is not merely ceremonial. It is strategic.
“It reflects the government’s deliberate commitment to expanding critical infrastructure in our aviation space to support growth, enhance competitiveness, and position Ghana as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.”
President John Dramani Mahama
According to the President, the expansion project demonstrates the government’s determination to modernise the country’s aviation infrastructure in response to increasing passenger traffic and regional competition.
“This project is an investment in efficiency, passenger experience, and ultimately in Ghana’s economic future,” he added.
Passenger Growth Increasing Pressure on Airport Facilities
President Mahama observed that Accra International Airport has experienced significant transformation over the years, evolving from what he described as a modest aerodrome into a major international gateway serving millions of travellers annually.
“Over the decades, Accra International Airport has evolved from a modest aerodrome into a modern gateway serving millions of passengers each year”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He disclosed that passenger traffic at the airport increased from 1.8 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2025, reflecting Ghana’s growing connectivity and attractiveness as a destination.
“Recent data confirms strong and sustained growth,” the President stated. However, he warned that the rapid growth in passenger numbers has also created operational pressure at the airport, particularly during peak travel periods.
“We’re already seeing congestion during peak hours, particularly between 1800 and 2200 GMT,” he said. According to President Mahama, the congestion is affecting critical airport operations including check in, immigration, security screening, boarding, and baggage handling.
“If these are not addressed, these pressures will undermine efficiency and erode the pleasant passenger experience,” he cautioned.
Government Repurposing Terminal 2
To address the congestion challenges, President Mahama revealed that the government, through the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Airports Company Limited, has initiated the Terminal 2 repurposing project.
The project aims to transform Terminal 2 into a dual-purpose facility capable of handling both domestic and international passenger traffic. “Our response has therefore been deliberate and fixed,” the President stated.
He explained that selected airlines would eventually be relocated to Terminal 2 to reduce pressure on Terminal 3. “I hear some airlines are reluctant to move to Terminal 2,” President Mahama remarked.
“But what I’ve seen at Terminal 2 today, I’m sure when we finish, they’ll be begging us to move to Terminal 2,” he said. The President noted that the interconnected concourse project will complement these efforts by ensuring seamless passenger movement between the terminals.
Regional Airports to Expand Air Connectivity
President Mahama also announced that the government is pursuing a nationwide aviation expansion agenda aimed at improving air connectivity across all regions of Ghana.
“Procurement processes are currently ongoing for the construction of new regional airport in Bolgatanga to serve the Upper East Region, a new airport in Wa to replace the old Wa Airport, which is not fit for purpose, and a new airport in Nsoatre to serve the Sunyani Metropolis”.
President John Dramani Mahama
The President said the projects are expected to support tourism, investment, and economic growth in the various regions while ensuring balanced national development.
He further highlighted ongoing developments at the Kumasi Airport, where the runway is being extended to accommodate wide-bodied international aircraft.
President Mahama also revealed that government officials recently inspected a nearly 54 metre air traffic control tower equipped with modern technology designed to improve aviation safety and airspace management.
“We’ve also just inspected the nearly 54 metre new air traffic control tower with ultramodern equipment to guarantee a safe airspace,” he stated.
Plans Underway for National Airline Revival
The President further disclosed that he is expected to meet a task force established to work toward the re establishment of Ghana’s national airline. “This week also, I’m meeting the task force I set up to work towards the re establishment of our national airline,” he announced.
According to President Mahama, the government expects the task force to present a detailed roadmap outlining how Ghana can successfully revive a national carrier capable of operating competitively across Africa and internationally.
The President explained that the proposed national airline would create jobs for pilots, engineers, cabin crew, and other aviation professionals while supporting Ghana’s ambition to become the preferred aviation hub in the region.
New E Visa System to Ease Travel
President Mahama also announced plans to launch a new electronic visa system to simplify travel procedures for visitors entering Ghana. “We’re also in the process of launching the new e visa system,” he said.
According to him, the system being developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration will eliminate the need for travellers to physically visit Ghanaian embassies for visa applications.
“You no longer need to go to a Ghana embassy to go and apply physically for a visa. You go online, you submit all your documents, and the visa will be issued directly to you”.
President John Dramani Mahama
The President additionally commended a Ghanaian businessman currently funding the refurbishment of the VVIP lounge at the airport at no cost to the government.
“He’s building it free of charge at a cost of almost two million dollars,” President Mahama stated. He added humorously that the benefactor would receive lifetime access to the lounge upon completion of the project.
Ghana Pursues Competitive Aviation Future
President Mahama concluded by emphasising that the airport expansion projects represent a broader national strategy to position Ghana competitively within the growing West African aviation market.
He stressed that continued investment in infrastructure, connectivity, and passenger convenience will be critical to maintaining Ghana’s status as a regional aviation leader.
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