Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has said the expansion and modernisation of Ghana’s airport infrastructure are critical to the country’s efforts to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She said efficient airports and dependable transport connections were necessary to facilitate the movement of people and goods and strengthen Ghana’s position as a centre of trade and investment.
Speaking at the Ghana Airports Company Limited’s (GACL) 20th Anniversary Lecture and Awards Ceremony in Accra, the Vice President said Ghana’s role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat made efficient transport and logistics infrastructure particularly important.
“To reap the full benefits of continental integration, the movement of people and goods will require operational efficiency and dependable connections,” she said.
She said international passenger traffic at the Accra International Airport had increased from 1.8 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2025, necessitating improvements to existing facilities.
Terminal Two is being repurposed to accommodate both domestic and international flights, while a connecting concourse is under construction to allow passengers to move between terminals without going outdoors.
The Vice President also cited ongoing runway rehabilitation and expansion works, including improvements to lighting systems, as necessary measures to maintain safety and reliability.
She said the ongoing runway expansion at Tamale International Airport and plans for a new regional airport at Bolgatanga would also improve regional connectivity.
“Efficient airports are essential to that aim, particularly for businesses that depend on timely movement of people and high-value or time-sensitive goods,” she said.
The Vice President called for efficient airport operations, regular maintenance and improved service delivery to match investments in infrastructure.
She also urged greater attention to energy efficiency, renewable energy and the development of Ghanaian expertise to sustain growth in the aviation sector.
The ceremony honoured aviation stakeholders, partners and former Managing Directors for their contributions to GACL over the past 20 years.
