President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the construction of a multi-purpose, multi-tiered car park and airport hotel complex at the Accra International Airport, describing the project as a strategic investment in Ghana’s aviation infrastructure and a response to the growing demand for improved airport facilities.

The project forms part of ongoing efforts to modernise and expand the country’s aviation infrastructure, improve passenger experience and position Ghana as a competitive aviation hub in Africa.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama said the development was not merely another construction project, but an investment aimed at preparing Ghana’s principal international gateway for the demands of the future.

He noted that the Accra International Airport had experienced significant growth in passenger traffic, increasing from 1.8 million passengers in 2022 to 2.5 million passengers in 2025. According to him, while the growth reflects Ghana’s expanding air connectivity and attractiveness as a destination for business, tourism and investment, it has also placed increasing pressure on the airport’s roads, parking facilities, passenger pick-up and drop-off areas and overall operations.

President Mahama explained that the multi-purpose complex would provide a timely and practical solution to the growing congestion and the current limited parking capacity at the airport.

Highlighting the importance of technology in the project, President Mahama said the facility would incorporate automatic number plate recognition, a cashless and ticketless parking system, parking guidance systems, electric vehicle charging points and a centralised CCTV surveillance system.

He said these technologies would improve traffic management, strengthen security, reduce delays and ensure a more convenient and seamless experience for passengers and other airport users.

The President further emphasised that modern airport infrastructure must go beyond serving aircraft and passengers, noting that airports have increasingly become centres for commerce, hospitality, logistics and business.

“Our strategy therefore is not merely to attract more passengers to Ghana. It is to make Ghana a preferred destination, a convenient transit point and a competitive aviation hub in Africa,” he stated.

President Mahama also urged the contractors and consultants to ensure quality work, value for money, strict adherence to specifications and timely completion of the project.

He stressed that the sod-cutting ceremony represented the beginning of a project that must be completed, commissioned and put to productive use for the benefit of the Ghanaian.

The Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, described the project as a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of Ghana’s aviation sector and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the development of modern, efficient and passenger-friendly aviation infrastructure.

He noted that, with a parking capacity of over 2,000 vehicles and the development of both budget and premium hotel facilities, the project would significantly enhance convenience, improve traffic management, strengthen security and elevate the overall passenger experience at the Accra International Airport.

According to the Minister, the development will also create employment opportunities, generate substantial non-aeronautical revenue and unlock the commercial value of airport lands, contributing to Ghana’s broader economic transformation and the 24-hour economy agenda.

Hon. Bukari Nikpe added that the project forms part of several ongoing investments in the aviation sector, including the construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower, the repurposing of Terminal 2, runway expansion works and the installation of advanced air navigation and surveillance systems.

He explained that these investments, together with the recently commenced connecting concourse project between Terminals 2 and 3, would strengthen safety, improve operational efficiency and enhance service delivery within Ghana’s aviation sector.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Transport’s commitment to closely monitoring the implementation of the various aviation infrastructure projects to ensure their successful completion.

When completed, the multi-purpose car park and airport hotel complex is expected to ease vehicular congestion, improve passenger convenience, strengthen airport security and transform the Accra International Airport into a vibrant 24-hour commercial and aviation hub.

The development will further support government’s vision of strengthening Ghana’s position as a preferred aviation hub in Africa while creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and employment.