A private legal practitioner, Charles Akoto Lamptey Jnr, has petitioned the President of Ghana to suspend ongoing works on Terminal 2 at Kotoka International Airport, citing concerns over procurement integrity, economic efficiency, and long-term infrastructure planning.
In the petition, the lawyer argues that past technical assessments and institutional decisions had already deemed Terminal 2 inadequate, a position that led to the construction of Terminal 3 as a modern replacement facility. He noted that the earlier decision was based on engineering limitations, operational inefficiencies, and the need to accommodate growing passenger volumes.
The current works on Terminal 2, described by authorities as “repurposing,” are being challenged as misleading. According to the petitioner, the scope of work—including leak repairs, ceiling replacements, and structural fixes—constitutes refurbishment rather than repurposing.
He emphasized that this distinction is critical, warning that mischaracterising refurbishment could distort the justification for contract awards and the use of public funds.
The petition further highlights the economic risks associated with refurbishing outdated infrastructure. While often presented as cost-saving, the lawyer described such an approach as a “false economy,” arguing that legacy facilities are not designed to meet modern aviation standards.
He warned that continuous retrofitting could result in rising maintenance costs, inefficiencies, and limited revenue potential. In contrast, full reconstruction, though more capital-intensive, is presented as a more sustainable option capable of delivering long-term value through improved efficiency and scalability.
The petition also cautions that dividing passenger traffic across multiple suboptimal terminals could undermine the performance of Terminal 3 and weaken Ghana’s position as a competitive regional aviation hub.
Citing provisions in the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) and the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), the petitioner argued that public funds must be used efficiently and procurement processes must remain transparent and value-driven.
He warned that continued investment in a facility previously considered obsolete could expose public officials to audit risks, disallowances, and potential financial surcharges under Ghana’s accountability framework.
Beyond financial and legal concerns, the petition underscores potential national security implications. It notes that modern airport terminals operate as integrated systems incorporating advanced technologies such as biometric identification, automated baggage handling, and surveillance systems.
Terminal 2, described as a legacy structure, is said to have architectural constraints that may limit the effective deployment of such systems. The petitioner cautioned that incremental refurbishment may fail to address these structural limitations, potentially creating vulnerabilities.
As part of the process, the lawyer has submitted a request to the Ghana Airports Company Limited under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), seeking access to key documents related to the project.
These include engineering reports, procurement records, board decisions, and contractor details, aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
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The petition frames the issue as a broader strategic choice about the future of Ghana’s aviation sector. While the country has long expressed ambitions of becoming a leading aviation hub in West Africa, the lawyer argues that this vision requires forward-looking infrastructure investment rather than incremental upgrades to outdated facilities.
He is therefore urging government to reconsider the current approach and opt for a full reconstruction of Terminal 2, warning that anything less could result in financial inefficiencies, legal exposure, and long-term stagnation in the sector.
