Airport passenger service charge jumps from GH₵5 to GH₵100 as ministry seeks sustainable airport financing
By Eugene Davis
Parliament’s Committee on Roads and Transportation, in its consideration of the 2026 Budget Estimates for the Ministry of Transport, has revealed that the Ministry intends to introduce a revised Airport Passenger Service Charge (APSC) of GH₵100 beginning in 2026.
According to the Committee’s report, the proposed adjustment marks a significant shift from the long-standing GH₵5.00 charge, which the Committee noted has for years been inadequate to support the financing, operation, and maintenance of Ghana’s airport infrastructure.
The Committee observed that the previous APS charge fell far short of meeting the increasing costs associated with airport development and upkeep—particularly in light of major capital investments such as the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) Terminal 3, and the ongoing expansion and modernization works at the Kumasi and Tamale airports. Many of these projects were financed through loans, requiring predictable and sustainable revenue streams to ensure timely repayment and continuous improvement of the country’s aviation facilities.
These issues came to light when Parliament approved GH₵1.5 billion for the Ministry of Transport to carry out its programmes and activities for the 2026 financial year.
The Committee therefore acknowledged the rationale for revising the APSC to GH₵100, describing the adjustment as a necessary step toward improving revenue adequacy and enhancing the financial sustainability of airport operations. It further recommended that the Ministry conduct periodic reviews of the APSC and other aviation-related revenue sources to ensure alignment with global industry benchmarks and to secure consistent funding for maintenance, debt servicing, and future airport infrastructure development.
Key Projects for the 2026 Fiscal Year
The Ministry of Transport intends to implement a series of strategic projects aimed at strengthening Ghana’s transport infrastructure and advancing national development. These include:
Aviation Sector
Establishment of the National Airline
Establishment of an Aviation Training Centre and Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility at Ho Airport
Repurposing of Terminal 2 at Kotoka International Airport
Development of coastal shore passenger transport services
Maritime & Logistics
Completion of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) Auditorium
Development of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT)
Road Transport & Public Transportation
Operationalisation of motorcycle and tricycle transport services (Okada) under regulated frameworks
Procurement of electric buses (EV buses) for Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL) and Intercity STC Coaches Limited (ISTC)
Construction of a new MMTL terminal in Tamale
Redevelopment and modernisation of ISTC terminals across key transport corridors
Construction, reconstruction, and renovation of DVLA offices nationwide
Introduction of a new national vehicle registration number plate system
Railway Sector
Continuation of the revamp of the Western and Eastern Railway Lines, critical for freight mobility and industrial growth
Digitalisation
Digitisation of Road Safety Services under the Transport Ghana initiative to enhance efficiency, data accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
The Committee emphasised that the Ministry of Transport plays a central role in Ghana’s economic transformation and public welfare. It is responsible for ensuring a safe, reliable, and efficient transport system across road, rail, maritime, and aviation sectors.
Adequate financing—backed by sustainable revenue measures such as the revised APSC—is therefore essential to expand and maintain infrastructure, modernise public transport services, strengthen regulatory enforcement, and advance sustainable mobility initiatives nationwide, the report noted.
