The sharp increase in Ghana’s Domestic Airport Passenger Service Charge has come under fierce criticism from the Minority in Parliament, with Ranking Member on the Roads and Highways Committee, Hon. Kennedy Osei Nyarko, describing the new rates as excessive and unjustified.
Effective April 1, 2026, the charge for domestic flights has jumped from GH¢5.00 to GH¢100 for one-way tickets and GH¢200 for return journeys. This represents an approximately 1800% increase, a move that has already begun pushing up airfares and adding to the financial burden on ordinary travellers.
Speaking in an interview, the Akim Swedru MP acknowledged that the previous GH¢5.00 fee was outdated and required review, but insisted the scale of the new levy is unreasonable.
“We all agree that the GH¢5.00 charge was too low and needed some form of review, but increasing it by about 1800% is outrageous,” Nyarko stated.
He warned that the hike will hurt domestic air travel, place additional strain on local airlines, and discourage many Ghanaians from flying within the country at a time when living costs are already high.
The new Airport Infrastructure Development Levy also affects international routes, with charges ranging from $30 to $100 depending on the destination. Critics argue that while infrastructure improvement is necessary, the government should explore more measured and sustainable ways to fund airport upgrades rather than imposing such steep costs directly on passengers.
Hon. Nyarko’s position reflects growing concern within the centre-right spectrum that heavy-handed taxation and levies risk undermining economic recovery, stifling mobility, and placing undue pressure on businesses and families.
As airlines pass on the new charges to customers, many travellers are already feeling the impact through higher ticket prices. Stakeholders have called on the government to reconsider the magnitude of the increase and engage in broader consultations to strike a better balance between revenue generation and affordability.
The controversy adds to ongoing debates about fiscal policy and its effect on ordinary citizens and key sectors like aviation and tourism.
