GACL marks 20th anniversary with renewed focus on airport expansion, modernisation

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has marked its 20th anniversary with a call for sustained investment in airport infrastructure, technological advancement and improved connectivity to position Ghana as a leading aviation hub in Africa.

The anniversary lecture and honours programme, held at the Accra Marriott Hotel on Monday, November 9, 2026, brought together government officials, aviation industry stakeholders and other dignitaries to reflect on the company’s achievements and examine its future role in Ghana’s economic development.

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who attended the event, underscored the strategic importance of the aviation sector to the government’s broader economic ambitions.

“Government’s ambition is to build a productive economy that strengthens Ghana’s position as the centre of trade and investment in Africa and beyond,” she stated.

She highlighted the growth in international passenger traffic at Accra International Airport, which increased from 1.8 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2025.

The Vice President also outlined infrastructure developments being pursued by GACL to improve service delivery, enhance airport operations and diversify the company’s revenue streams.

Board Chairman of GACL and Majority Leader of Parliament, James Agalga, highlighted the awards and recognitions received by the company over the years, describing them as evidence of the dedication and commitment of its management and staff.

He also acknowledged the support of President John Dramani Mahama’s government, particularly its efforts to strengthen the financial capacity of the aviation sector.

Mr Agalga commended the President for the introduction of the Airports Infrastructure Development Charge, describing it as a dedicated source of funding that would support airport infrastructure development and reduce the financial constraints associated with major projects.

“We now have a dedicated source of funding. So we are not going to encounter any financial challenges,” he said.

He indicated that the funding mechanism would support ongoing and future infrastructure projects, including developments at Accra International Airport, aimed at improving passenger experience and strengthening the country’s aviation infrastructure.

Speaking after the anniversary programme, Mr Agalga expressed optimism about the transformation of Ghana’s airports, stating: “Very soon you will see how beautiful our airports will be.”

He also highlighted measures being pursued by the government and security agencies to combat narcotics trafficking through Ghana’s airports.

“A lot is happening to ensure that Ghana becomes an unsafe destination for the narco trade,” he said, pointing to efforts to strengthen airport security and prevent the use of the country’s aviation facilities for drug trafficking.

Managing Director of GACL, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, used the occasion to outline her vision for the country’s aviation industry over the next two decades.

She called for the establishment of a strong national airline with a robust fleet, alongside significant investments in airport technology and infrastructure.

“We should have a national airline that has a strong and robust fleet,” she stated.

Mrs Opare also expressed the need for Ghana to develop additional international airport facilities beyond Accra over the next 20 years to ease pressure on existing infrastructure and support the expansion of air transport services.

She further envisaged a more technologically advanced aviation sector capable of delivering efficient services and meeting the changing demands of international travel.

During a panel discussion at the event, the GACL Managing Director identified seamless air travel across the African continent as her most urgent priority for the industry within the next five years.

She said improved connectivity and easier movement between African countries would be important to the growth of the continent’s aviation industry and the realisation of broader regional integration objectives.

The anniversary celebration was held under the theme, “A Legacy of Resilience: Developing Further, Serving Better,” reflecting the company’s two decades of involvement in the management and development of Ghana’s airport infrastructure.

GACL was incorporated in January 2006 following the separation of airport management functions from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and commenced operations on January 1, 2007.

Since then, the company has played a central role in the development, management and maintenance of airports and airstrips across the country, including the expansion of facilities at Kotoka International Airport and upgrades to regional airports.

The anniversary lecture and honours programme also provided an opportunity to recognise former managing directors for their contributions to the company’s development over the years.