The Ghana Airport Company has announced the introduction of a new infrastructure development charge, imposing a fee of $100 on international travelers and GHS 100 on domestic travelers.
According to the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Trade and Industry Committee, Michael Okyere Baafi, the fees are expected to be added to ticket prices for all round-trip flights.
He noted that Ghana Airports Company Limited has already begun implementing the charge, which will increase overall aviation fares.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr Baafi questioned the timing of the policy, arguing that it contradicts efforts by ECOWAS to reduce air travel costs within the subregion.
He also expressed concern about the financial burden on Ghanaians, describing the $100 charge as excessive, particularly amid current economic challenges.
“The Ghana Airport Company has today implemented a development infrastructure levy of $100, meaning that for every round-trip international flight, travelers will pay an additional $100 as part of their ticket price. This will inevitably increase aviation fares. ECOWAS has made efforts to lower fares within the subregion, similar to European communities, but we are not seeing that happen here. It is concerning that such a decision is being made during these challenging times.
“The parliamentary approval for this levy should be carefully scrutinized, especially given a one-sided parliament where the majority can push through decisions unopposed. We can argue against it, but in a vote, we are likely to lose. An additional $100 is a significant amount, and the government should reconsider this decision, as it will directly impact Ghanaians,” he said.
Source: adomonline.com
