Airport congestion, ageing facilities justify new levy — GACL Chairman

The Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, James Agalga, has defended the government’s Airport Infrastructure Development Levy, describing it as a necessary measure to finance critical upgrades at Kotoka International Airport amid rising congestion and ageing infrastructure.

Speaking on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM, Mr. Agalga explained that the levy is aimed at preventing the country’s main international airport from suffering a potential downgrade due to deteriorating facilities and capacity constraints.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, he recounted a personal experience where heavy congestion at the airport nearly caused him to miss a flight. He noted that vehicular traffic and limited parking space have become significant challenges, underscoring the need for a modern multi-storey car park to ease pressure on existing infrastructure.

According to Mr. Agalga, several critical components of the airport—including the runway, apron, and sewage treatment systems—are due for major refurbishment. He warned that failure to undertake essential works such as runway overlay could negatively impact the airport’s international standing and operational certification.

Currently regarded as one of the top-performing airports in the sub-region, Kotoka International Airport serves as a preferred destination for many international airlines operating large aircraft, largely due to its strategic geographic location in West Africa. Maintaining this status, he said, requires continuous investment in infrastructure and safety systems.

The Airport Infrastructure Development Levy, which has been introduced on both domestic and international tickets, is expected to generate the funds needed to execute long-delayed projects. These include runway rehabilitation, expansion of the northern apron to accommodate more aircraft, and the construction of a connecting concourse to improve passenger movement between terminals.

Despite these justifications, the levy has faced criticism from sections of the public concerned about rising airfares and the increasing cost of travel. However, Mr. Agalga argued that such investments are unavoidable if Ghana is to keep pace with competing aviation hubs across Africa.

He further explained that many of the planned upgrades had been postponed for years due to heavy subsidisation of airport operations, which limited the ability of GACL to mobilise sufficient internal revenue for capital-intensive projects.

Mr. Agalga maintained that the levy represents a long-term investment in Ghana’s aviation sector, ensuring improved passenger experience, enhanced safety standards, and sustained competitiveness in the regional air transport market.