Mahama to break ground on seven-storey airport car park by end of August

President John Dramani Mahama is expected to cut the sod before the end of August for the construction of a seven-storey multi-purpose car park at Accra International Airport, marking another phase of Ghana’s broader strategy to expand aviation infrastructure and strengthen the country’s position as a regional transport hub.

The project, to be located adjacent to Terminal 3, forms part of a wider airport modernisation programme being undertaken by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) to accommodate rapidly rising passenger volumes while transforming Airport City into a mixed-use commercial destination.

According to GACL Managing Director Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, preparatory work is progressing ahead of the sod-cutting ceremony expected later this month.

“His Excellency the President is expected to cut the sod for the construction of the seven-storey multi-purpose car park before the end of August,” she said.

The development follows the closure of the existing Terminal 3 surface car park in July to clear the site for construction, signalling the transition from planning to implementation.

The new facility is expected to significantly expand parking capacity while introducing a range of commercial amenities designed to generate non-aeronautical revenue for GACL. Plans include retail outlets, conference facilities, a sky-view lounge and a dual-concept airport hotel, reflecting an increasing shift by airport operators globally towards diversified revenue streams beyond passenger service charges.

Responding to rising passenger demand

The investment comes as passenger traffic through Accra International Airport continues to grow steadily.

Government data show that annual passenger numbers increased from approximately 1.8 million in 2022 to about 2.5 million in 2025, placing mounting pressure on airport infrastructure, particularly during evening peak periods when congestion affects check-in, immigration, security screening and baggage handling.

Airport operators increasingly view parking infrastructure as an essential component of airport capacity rather than merely a convenience. Efficient vehicle access reduces congestion around terminal buildings, improves passenger experience and creates additional commercial opportunities through retail and hospitality services.

For GACL, the project also aligns with government’s ambition to position Airport City as a business and hospitality hub serving West Africa.

Part of a broader airport transformation

The seven-storey car park represents one element of a wider programme of aviation investments already underway.

Earlier this year, President Mahama launched construction of the interconnecting concourse linking Terminals 2 and 3, a project intended to improve passenger movement and operational efficiency across the airport complex.

Government is simultaneously pursuing the repurposing of Terminal 2 to handle both domestic and international operations, expanding regional airports, modernising air traffic management systems and introducing advanced security screening technologies.

Authorities have also announced plans to develop new airports in Bolgatanga, Wa and Nsuatre while advancing discussions on re-establishing a national airline as part of a broader aviation sector strategy.

Commercial implications

Beyond improving passenger convenience, the new parking complex reflects the evolving economics of airport management.

Globally, airports are increasingly dependent on commercial activities—including retail, hotels, real estate and parking—to supplement aeronautical revenues that are often constrained by regulatory pricing frameworks.

For Ghana, expanding these revenue sources could strengthen GACL’s financial position while supporting future infrastructure investment without relying solely on government funding.

If completed on schedule, the seven-storey facility will become one of the largest airport parking developments in Ghana and further reinforce Airport City’s role as a commercial gateway connecting aviation, hospitality and business services.

With passenger numbers projected to continue rising alongside growing regional connectivity, the investment signals government’s intention to ensure airport infrastructure keeps pace with Ghana’s ambitions of becoming a leading aviation hub in West Africa.