President John Dramani Mahama has officially cut the sod for the construction of a connected concourse linking Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at the Accra International Airport, describing the project as a major step toward strengthening Ghana’s position as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama said the project seeks to address longstanding infrastructure gaps within the airport, particularly the absence of seamless connectivity between the two terminals.
“However, these interventions alone are not sufficient. A critical gap remains. The absence of seamless airside connectivity between Terminal 2 and 3, limited transit passenger infrastructure, and continued reliance on standalone facilities”.
President John Dramani Mahama
According to the President, the government considers the new concourse project essential to improving passenger movement, airport efficiency, and overall service delivery at the country’s busiest international airport. “It is precisely to address these constraints that we have gathered here today,” he said.
New Concourse to Improve Passenger Experience
President Mahama explained that the connecting concourse will introduce major infrastructure upgrades aimed at modernising airport operations and improving passenger comfort. “Today, we’re cutting sod for the concourse connecting the two terminals,” he announced.
When completed, the project will feature five passenger boarding bridges, modern waiting and holding areas, premium and VIP lounges, retail and commercial facilities, as well as improved passenger service infrastructure.
“This project will transform how passengers move within the airport, enabling seamless, secure, and efficient connectivity between the two terminals,” the President stated. He added that the facility would improve aircraft turnaround time, strengthen transit passenger handling, and elevate the quality of services provided at the airport.
According to President Mahama, the project forms part of a broader strategy to modernise Ghana’s aviation infrastructure in response to increasing competition within the West African aviation sector.
Multi Storey Car Park and Airport Hotel Planned
Beyond the terminal expansion project, President Mahama disclosed plans for additional infrastructure developments around Terminal 3. He announced that the government is advancing plans for a seven-storey multi-storey car park with capacity for 2,000 vehicles.
The proposed development will include retail outlets, restaurants, conference rooms, business spaces, and a sky view lounge overlooking aircraft operations. “If you go up to the lounge, you’ll be able to see the planes landing and taking off,” he said.
The President also revealed plans for a dual concept airport hotel designed to cater for both budget and luxury travellers. “There’ll be a hotel. Half of it will be budget for we the less privileged, and then the other half will be a luxury hotel for those who can afford it,” he explained.
President Mahama noted that the broader development agenda is expected to ease parking challenges, increase non-aeronautical revenue, create employment opportunities, and support the government’s 24-hour economy policy.
“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”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He stressed that the government’s aviation ambitions extend beyond Accra and are intended to support national development across the country. “Our ambition is national, not just concentrating on Accra alone,” he added.
New Security Technology to Ease Passenger Screening
The President also announced the installation of new 3D scanners at Terminals 2 and 3 as part of efforts to improve airport security and passenger convenience. According to him, the new technology will strengthen aviation security procedures while making the screening process faster and less stressful for travellers.
“We have also begun installation of new 3D scanners in both Terminal 3 and Terminal 2. With the installation of these scanners, it will make aviation security safer.”
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama explained that the scanners would eliminate the need for passengers to remove electronic devices such as laptops and tablets from their hand luggage during security checks. “It will take away the need for people to remove their laptops and their tablets from their hand luggage when they are going through security,” he noted.
He further stated that travellers would no longer be required to remove belts and shoes during screening. “It will make it also unnecessary for them to remove their shoes and their belts when they are going through aviation security,” the President added.
Ghana Targets Leadership in West African Aviation
President Mahama observed that competition among aviation hubs within West Africa is intensifying, making infrastructure investment critical to Ghana’s future ambitions.
“Ladies and gentlemen, competition in the West African aviation sector is intensifying. If Ghana is to claim and maintain its position as their preferred hub, we must invest deliberately”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He called on regulators, operators, and private sector partners to support the country’s aviation development agenda with urgency and commitment.
The President also commended the Ministry of Transport, the Board and Management of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, engineers, architects, and technical teams involved in the project.
“Your dedication has brought us to this point,” he said. President Mahama stressed the importance of ensuring that all aviation infrastructure projects are delivered efficiently and responsibly.
“Let me also emphasise that the projects must be delivered on time, within scope, and at value for money. Every cedi invested must translate into tangible benefits for the Ghanaian people”.
President John Dramani Mahama
Project Described as Statement of National Ambition
President Mahama described the sod-cutting ceremony as the beginning of a transformative project that will shape the future of Ghana’s aviation industry. “Today’s sod cutting marks the beginning of a project that will shape the future of aviation in Ghana,” he stated.
According to him, the project reflects Ghana’s determination to compete globally and build modern infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth and regional leadership.
“It’s a statement of intent that Ghana is ready to lead, ready to compete, and ready to build world class infrastructure that matches our ambitions,” the President said.
He officially declared the project launched and expressed optimism about the future of Ghana’s aviation sector. “On that note, it is my honour to officially cut the sod for the construction of the connecting concourse linking Terminal 2 and 3,” he concluded.
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