President Mahama Cuts Sod for Construction of Connecting Concourse at AIA

Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has cut sod for the construction of a connecting concourse between Terminal Two and Terminal Three of the Accra International Airport. The President also inspected the nearly completed 54-meter new Air Traffic Control Tower with ultra-modern equipment to ensure a safe space at the airport.

According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama, in an address, noted that the project reflects the government's deliberate commitment to expanding critical infrastructure in the nation's aviation sector to support growth, enhance competitiveness, and position Ghana as a leading aviation hub in West Africa. He stated that the project was an investment in efficiency, passenger experience, and ultimately in Ghana's economic future.

Over the decades, Accra International Airport has evolved from a modest aerodrome into a modern gateway for millions of passengers each year. President Mahama highlighted that recent data confirmed strong and sustained growth, with traffic rising from 1.8 million passengers in 2022 to 2.5 million passengers in 2025. This significant increase underscores Ghana's growing connectivity and appeal as a destination of choice.

However, with growth comes pressure. Congestion during peak hours, particularly between 1800 and 2200 GMT, is affecting various airport processes, including check-in, immigration, security screening, boarding, and baggage handling. President Mahama emphasized that if these issues are not addressed, they could undermine efficiency and erode the pleasant passenger experience.

To address these challenges, President Mahama announced the launch of the Terminal Two Repurposing Project through the Ministry of Transport and Ghana Airport Company Limited. This initiative aims to transform Terminal Two into a dual-purpose facility capable of handling both domestic and international traffic, complemented by the strategic relocation of selected airlines to ease congestion at Terminal Three.

A critical gap remains the absence of seamless air flight connectivity between Terminal Two and Terminal Three, limited transit passenger infrastructure, and reliance on standalone facilities. This has necessitated the construction of the connecting concourse between the two terminals.

Once completed, the concourse will feature five passenger boarding bridges, air bridges, modern waiting and boarding areas, premium and VIP lounges, retail and commercial facilities, and enhanced passenger service infrastructure. The project will enable seamless, secure, and efficient connectivity between the two terminals, improving aircraft turnaround time and enhancing passenger handling at transit points.

President Mahama also shared a vision for future developments, including plans for a seven-story, 2,000-capacity multi-story car park at Terminal 3, incorporating retail and dining areas and a sky view lounge. A dual-concept airport hotel is also planned, featuring both standard and luxury accommodations, conference rooms, and business spaces.

These developments aim to ease parking constraints, expand non-aeronautical revenue streams, support the 24-hour economy policy, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity. President Mahama stressed that the government's ambition extends beyond Accra, with a commitment to improving air connectivity across the country.

Procurement is ongoing for new regional airports, with plans to construct airports in Bolgatanga, Wa, and Nsuatre, which will boost regional trade, tourism, and investment, ensuring no part of Ghana is left out in the aviation sector's development. Additionally, the extension of the Kumasi Airport runway to accommodate wide-bodied international aircraft is among other important developments in the nation's aviation space.