The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has reiterated the importance of the new Airport Infrastructure Development Levy at the Accra International Airport, arguing that the measure is critical to addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges and improving passenger experience.

The levy, which took effect on Wednesday, April 1, requires domestic travellers to pay GHS100, while international passengers will pay $100. Travellers within the ECOWAS sub-region, as well as on other regional routes, will pay $15.

The new charges have triggered public criticism, with some passengers questioning their timing and cost. However, Mr. Nikpe insists the levy is a necessary intervention to fund essential upgrades that have been delayed for years.

Speaking to journalists during a media engagement on Thursday, April 2, the minister said the decision was driven by the urgent need to modernise ageing infrastructure, beginning with sanitation systems.

“All over the sub-region, our airports are in very deplorable states,” he said. “From 2012, Ghana Airports Company did not make any comprehensive levies or charges to upgrade our airports. Our sewage treatment plant is 25 years old and almost at full capacity.”

He warned that failure to address the situation could lead to serious sanitation risks. “If we do not do something about that sewage treatment plant, one day we will see a reversal of whatever waste we put inside,” he cautioned.

Mr. Nikpe further pointed to congestion at the airport as a growing concern, particularly during peak periods. He noted that the existing car park is inadequate, forcing vehicles onto nearby roads and contributing to traffic build-up.

“Our car park is too small to the point that cars overflow onto the streets, creating a lot of traffic congestion,” he said.

To address this, the government plans to construct a larger, modern car park facility, which will include short-stay options and hotel amenities to better serve passengers, especially those with long transit times.

The minister added that the levy will also support broader expansion efforts aimed at improving connectivity within the airport. Central to this is the construction of a connecting concourse between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

He explained that although Terminal 2 is currently underutilised, it is being rehabilitated and remodelled to handle both domestic and international operations. However, the absence of a direct link between the terminals has created inconvenience for passengers in transit.

The minister added that a connecting concourse is being constructed between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, which will include lounges and other passenger facilities to enable seamless movement between the two terminals.

He explained that the project is intended to allow passengers in transit to move easily within the airport and access connecting international flights without the need to exit and re-enter the terminal or rely on shuttle services.

He further announced plans to construct three new airports in Sunyani, Wa, and Bolgatanga to boost economic activities.