President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the construction of a multi-purpose, multi-tiered car park and airport hotels complex at the Accra International Airport (AIA).
The seven-storey project, when completed, will provide approximately 2,030 covered parking bays and significantly increase parking capacity at Terminal 3.
Performing the sod-cutting ceremony at the AIA yesterday, the President described the project as a critical step in preparing Ghana’s principal international gateway for future demands.
“The lesson from that investment is clear: infrastructure must anticipate growth.
We cannot wait until congestion becomes unmanageable, services deteriorate, and opportunities are lost before we take action,” President Mahama stated.
The President stated that passenger traffic through the AIA had increased from 1.8 million passengers in 2022 to 2.5 million passengers in 2025, reflecting Ghana’s expanding air connectivity and attractiveness as a destination for business, tourism, and investment.
Integrated facility
The complex will feature a 120-room five-star premium hotel alongside a 250-room three-star hotel, making accommodation accessible to both premium and ordinary travellers.
Other facilities include retail and commercial spaces, banking services, restaurants, a food court, and shopping malls.
A covered pedestrian sky bridge will connect the development directly to Terminal 3, with a sky lounge and observatory for plane-watching enthusiasts.
President Mahama explained that modern commercial and business facilities would support passengers who wished to hold meetings before boarding their flights.
“This thoughtful mix of parking, accommodation, retail, dining and business services will improve convenience and help transform the airport enclave into a more vibrant economic space,” the President said.
Technology integration
The parking system will incorporate automatic number plate recognition, operate cashlessly and feature parking guidance systems.
Electric vehicle charging points will be available, along with a centralised CCTV surveillance system.
“These systems will improve traffic management, strengthen security, reduce delays and make the entire parking experience more seamless,” President Mahama stated, adding that the technology must be reliable, secure and easy to use.
“As we modernise, we must ensure that technology serves people and that no passenger is left behind,” he emphasised.
Self-financed development
In a significant revelation, President Mahama stated that all airport projects, including the new control tower, refurbishment of Terminal 2, transfer concourse between Terminals Two and Three, and the current car park and hotel development, were being funded entirely on the balance sheet of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).
Artist’s impression of the Multipurpose Multi-tiered Car Park and Airport Hotels Complex at Accra International Airport
“The government of Ghana has not given either of these two institutions one single cedi for these projects,” President Mahama stated.
“This is what we want to see: develop our country, but don’t go to our creditors and ask for money,” he added.
The President also announced progress on other aviation infrastructure across the country.
He said while preparations were well advanced to start construction of the new Bolgatanga Airport in the Upper East Region, procurement processes were underway for new regional airports in Wa in the Upper West Region and Nsuatre, Bono Region.
In the Ashanti Region, work is advancing on the runway extension at the Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi to accommodate heavier long-haul passenger aircraft.
“It is my hope that in the near future, passengers will be able to take off directly from Kumasi to other international destinations across the world,” President Mahama said.
Customs Act Amendment
The President announced that he had assented to a new Ghana Customs Act which removes duties and taxes on aircraft spare parts for domestic airlines to make them safer and more competitive.
“We want to make domestic airlines safer. If they bring in spare parts to maintain their aircraft, they will come in duty-free and tax-free,” he said.
President Mahama commended the GACL and the GCAA for taking a tough stance against soliciting tips from visitors, describing the practice as reflecting badly on the country.
He urged contractors and consultants to ensure quality, value for money, strict adherence to specifications and timely completion of the project.
“Deadlines must be treated seriously, cost controls must be rigorous, supervision must be continuous, and any challenge that threatens the project’s schedule or quality must be identified early and resolved promptly,” he directed.
President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in aviation infrastructure and strengthening Ghana’s position as a leading aviation hub in Africa.