President John Dramani Mahama has broken ground for a major multi-purpose Airport Hotels and seven-storey car park complex at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), aimed at easing congestion and strengthening Accra’s position as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.
The project, expected to be completed within 24 months, will provide 2,030 covered parking bays, two hotels, a shopping mall with a food court, a sky lounge, an aircraft observatory, retail and office spaces, as well as a direct pedestrian connection to Terminal 3.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony in Accra on Tuesday, President Mahama said the investment forms part of efforts to future-proof Ghana’s main international gateway as passenger traffic continues to increase.
“We cannot wait until congestion becomes unmanageable. Responsible leadership requires us to plan and build ahead,” he said.
President Mahama disclosed that passenger traffic at the airport increased from 1.8 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2025, placing growing pressure on roads, parking facilities, passenger pick-up points and security infrastructure.
“Anyone who has travelled through a busy airport knows the experience begins long before check-in. Access, parking, safety and hospitality are all essential,” he added.
Beyond Parking
President Mahama said the vertical design of the complex would optimise the use of scarce airport land while improving traffic circulation and reducing congestion.
He said the facility would serve passengers, airlines and businesses and enhance the overall experience at the airport.
According to him, the government, through the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), is taking proactive measures to address infrastructure gaps before they become critical.
He recalled that the decision in 2014 to construct Terminal 3 attracted criticism but had since contributed significantly to strengthening Ghana’s aviation hub credentials.
“The lesson is clear: infrastructure must anticipate growth,” President Mahama said.
Boost for Local Airlines
President Mahama also announced that he had assented to a new Customs Act that removes duties and taxes on aircraft spare parts imported by domestic airlines.
“We want to make domestic airlines safer. Spare parts will now come in duty-free and tax-free. I am sure Passion Air and Africa World Airlines will be happy,” he said.
He further announced plans for new airports in Bolgatanga, Wa and Nsoatre, near Sunyani, as part of efforts to expand domestic air connectivity.
Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, said the new complex would significantly improve passenger convenience and service delivery at KIA.
Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, described the project as “another significant milestone in modernising Ghana’s aviation infrastructure.”
