Minority members of Parliament’s Roads and Highways Committee have questioned the rationale behind the newly introduced airport infrastructure development charge on international flights, insisting it is unjustified.
The Government of Ghana rolled out the Airport Infrastructure Development Levy on April 1, 2026, resulting in a noticeable rise in airfares. Domestic passengers are now required to pay an extra GH¢100, while international travellers are being charged between $50 and $100 more.
Although the levy is intended to finance improvements to airport infrastructure, it has triggered widespread concern about the increasing cost of air travel.
Kennedy Osei Nyarko, the Ranking Member of the Committee, argued that passengers are already paying fees for the use of airport facilities, making the new charge redundant.
Speaking to Citi News on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Akim Swedru MP also criticized the GH¢100 fee for domestic flights, describing it as excessively high. He cautioned that the policy could hurt Ghana’s tourism industry by discouraging both local and international travel.
The levy is expected to support major aviation projects, including the construction of a connecting concourse between Terminals 2 and 3 at Kotoka International Airport, the development of a 2,000-space parking facility at Terminal 3, and rehabilitation works at regional airports.
Authorities estimate the levy will generate about $800 million over the next decade. However, critics warn that it could undermine Ghana’s competitiveness within the region and risk making the country one of Africa’s most expensive aviation markets.
Airlines have already begun transferring the additional cost to passengers, resulting in higher ticket prices across domestic, regional, and long-haul flights.
