The government reverts Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport, marking a major shift in Ghana’s aviation sector under a sweeping $800 million airport modernization program.
In a statement issued in Accra, the Ministry of Transport explained that restoring the airport’s original name aligns with its historical identity and international recognition. The facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before it was redesignated.
The renaming also forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s broader economic reset agenda, combining infrastructure expansion with a renewed national conversation about history and political legacy.
$800 Million Aviation Modernisation Plan
Beyond the name change, the government has initiated a large-scale $800 million, equivalent to GH¢12.8 billion, aviation upgrade programme aimed at transforming passenger experience and strengthening Ghana’s position as a regional hub.
Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) is set to introduce 3D analogue baggage scanners at Terminal 2 to enhance airport security screening. Managing Director Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare confirmed that the new technology will eliminate the need for passengers to remove liquids and electronic devices during security checks.
She disclosed this at the 5th Aviation Ghana Breakfast Meeting, emphasizing that Ghana must modernize its aviation infrastructure to match global standards.
According to her, GACL is also working towards repealing the rule that requires passengers to remove their shoes at security checkpoints, further improving convenience and reducing delays.
Airport Infrastructure Development Charge Introduced
To fund the modernization program, the government has introduced the Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC), which takes effect from April 1.
Approved under the 2026 national budget, the levy applies a $100 charge for international return trips, $15 for ECOWAS travel, and $30 for other African routes.
The passenger-based funding model is expected to generate $800 million over a ten-year period to address structural financing gaps within Ghana’s aviation sector. Authorities say the strategy moves away from the previous cross-subsidisation system, where revenue from the main international hub supported smaller regional airports.
However, the Board of Airline Representatives (cross-subsidization) has cautioned that the new charges could affect Ghana’s competitiveness within the regional aviation market.
Despite the concerns, GACL maintains that the objective of the charge is not merely revenue generation but direct reinvestment into airport infrastructure, technology upgrades, and passenger comfort.
The Ministry of Transport has assured the public, aviation stakeholders, and international partners that the renaming and modernisation process will not affect airport operations, safety standards, or international travel arrangements.
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