Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has highlighted the Government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s aviation industry, as Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) marks 20 years of connecting the country to international destinations and facilitating trade, tourism and investment.
The Vice President’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts to modernise airport infrastructure, improve passenger services and expand Ghana’s aviation capacity, including the refurbishment of Terminal 2 at the Accra International Airport, which is now 80 per cent complete.
The developments align with the Government’s broader economic transformation ambitions, which will receive further policy direction through the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.
“Government remains committed to developing new regional airports, upgrading existing facilities and positioning Ghana as a major aviation and economic hub.”
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
Opoku-Agyemang Highlights GACL’s 20-Year Contribution
Professor Opoku-Agyemang made the remarks after joining the board, management and staff of Ghana Airports Company Limited to commemorate two decades of the company’s operations.
She recognised GACL’s contribution to connecting Ghana to the world, facilitating international trade, promoting tourism, attracting investment and supporting national development.
The Vice President highlighted the importance of sustaining the company’s achievements through continued investment in airport infrastructure, improved operational standards and better passenger services.
She also acknowledged GACL’s ongoing infrastructure improvement initiatives, including the reconfiguration of Terminal 2, enhanced terminal connectivity and runway works to accommodate growing passenger traffic.
The Vice President welcomed the company’s efforts to diversify its revenue streams and particularly highlighted the announcement of its first dividend payment to Government as another milestone in its development.
Her remarks underscored the importance of strengthening the operational and financial capacity of the country’s airport infrastructure as Ghana seeks to expand its position within the regional and international aviation industry.
Terminal 2 Refurbishment Reaches 80 Per Cent Completion
Meanwhile, the refurbishment of Terminal 2 at the Accra International Airport has reached 80 per cent completion, marking significant progress in efforts to improve airport infrastructure and passenger services.
The development forms part of GACL’s broader infrastructure improvement agenda, which includes reconfiguring the terminal and enhancing connectivity within the airport. The refurbishment is particularly relevant as Ghana seeks to accommodate growing passenger traffic and strengthen the capacity of its aviation facilities.
The progress update also comes as the Government reiterates its commitment to upgrading existing airports and developing new regional facilities to improve connectivity across the country.
The improved infrastructure is expected to support Ghana’s broader ambition of becoming a major aviation and economic hub, particularly as the country seeks to attract more investment and expand its participation in international trade.
AfCFTA Position Strengthens Ghana’s Aviation Ambitions
Professor Opoku-Agyemang further emphasised the strategic importance of improving Ghana’s air connectivity, particularly given the country’s position as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
She explained that stronger aviation infrastructure and connectivity are necessary to facilitate trade, attract investment and expand access to regional and international markets.
With Ghana seeking to strengthen its role in continental commerce, improved airport facilities will remain important to connecting businesses, investors and travellers to opportunities across Africa and beyond.
The Government’s commitment to developing new regional airports and upgrading existing facilities is therefore central to its ambition of positioning Ghana as a significant aviation and economic hub.
Vice President Emphasises Hospitality and Local Expertise
Beyond infrastructure expansion, the Vice President highlighted the importance of professionalism and service delivery in Ghana’s aviation industry.
She observed that airports often provide visitors with their first encounter with Ghanaian hospitality, making the conduct of airport personnel as important as operational efficiency, proper maintenance and sustainability.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also stressed the need to develop Ghanaian expertise and create opportunities for young people and women as the industry expands.
She maintained that local capacity development must remain central to the sector’s growth, ensuring that Ghanaians participate meaningfully in the opportunities emerging from the country’s aviation development.
Concluding her remarks, the Vice President congratulated GACL’s board, past and present management, staff and other stakeholders for their contributions over the past two decades.
She encouraged the company’s leadership and workforce to build on the achievements recorded so far as GACL enters its next phase of development.
The 20th anniversary comes at a time when the Government is pursuing broader infrastructure and economic transformation priorities, with improved airport facilities, regional connectivity and investment in productive sectors forming part of its development agenda.
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