General News

Mahama Cuts Sod for New Airport Concourse to Ease Congestion

President John Dramani Mahama has officially cut sod for the construction of a new concourse at Accra International Airport, aimed at easing congestion and improving passenger flow at Ghana’s main aviation hub.

The project will link Terminals 2 and 3, as passenger traffic continues to rise sharply—from 1.8 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2025, representing a 39% increase over three years.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama acknowledged that congestion is already affecting operations, especially during peak hours between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., impacting check-in, immigration, security, and baggage handling.

“If these are not addressed, these pressures will undermine efficiency and erode the passenger experience,” he stated.

The new concourse will feature:

Five passenger boarding air bridges

Expanded waiting areas

VIP lounges

Retail and commercial spaces

As part of broader upgrades, Terminal 2 is being redesigned to handle both domestic and international flights, with plans to shift some airline operations from Terminal 3 to reduce pressure.

Beyond the concourse, the government outlined additional aviation improvements, including:

A seven-storey car park with space for about 2,000 vehicles

Installation of advanced 3D security scanners

A new 54-metre air traffic control tower nearing completion

President Mahama also revealed plans to expand regional airports in Bolgatanga, Wa, and Nsuatre, while work continues on extending the runway at Kumasi Airport to accommodate larger aircraft.

On future developments, he disclosed that a task force will soon present a roadmap for establishing a new national airline, expected to create jobs and strengthen Ghana’s position as a regional aviation hub.

Additionally, an electronic visa system is being planned to allow travellers to apply online, while a privately funded refurbishment of the VVIP lounge—worth nearly $2 million—is underway at no cost to the state.

The new concourse is expected to significantly improve efficiency and enhance the overall passenger experience as demand for air travel in Ghana continues to grow.

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