The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has dismissed claims suggesting that Terminal 2 at the Accra International Airport is obsolete, describing such assertions as false, misleading, and misconceived.
The response follows a recent opinion article titled “Reconstruct Terminal 2: Don’t Refurbish the Past at the Expense of the Future,” which questioned the rationale behind ongoing works on the facility. GACL acknowledged public interest in airport infrastructure development but moved to clarify what it describes as misrepresentations of its strategy.
❗ Clarification on Terminal 2 Development
GACL rejected claims that the construction of Terminal 3 was premised on Terminal 2 being obsolete.
According to the company, the decision to defer the renovation of Terminal 2 and instead construct Terminal 3 was based on a terminal planning study commissioned in 2013. At the time, Terminal 2 was the sole terminal for international operations, and undertaking major reconstruction works would have resulted in:
- Significant disruption to live operations
- A decline in passenger experience, with possible airport downgrading
- Severe revenue losses, affecting GACL’s operational and financial obligations
GACL stressed that these considerations had nothing to do with Terminal 2 being earmarked for demolition.
Strategic Planning and Terminal Connectivity
The company explained that avoiding operational disruption was the overriding factor in its decision-making process.
The 2013 planning study recommended the development of a connecting concourse between Terminals 2 and 3, prompting GACL to construct Terminal 3 as a standalone facility.
This approach was further supported by the Dorsch report (National Airport Systems Plan), commissioned by the Ministry of Transport and sponsored by the World Bank in 2014. The report anticipated that Terminal 2 would eventually be refurbished and integrated with Terminal 3.
GACL argued that it would be contradictory for a World Bank-backed study to recommend connectivity with a terminal deemed obsolete.
Existing Investments in Terminal 2
GACL also pointed to continued investments in Terminal 2 as evidence of its ongoing relevance.
Notably:
- Parts of the arrivals hall were remodeled in 2013
- An extension was completed, now housing GACL and key state agencies including:
- Ghana Immigration Service
- National Security
- Narcotics Control Commission
- Bureau of National Intelligence
These upgrades, the company said, demonstrate that Terminal 2 has not been abandoned.
Understanding “Repurposing”
Following the completion of Terminal 3, international operations were moved there, while domestic operations shifted from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2.
After eight years of Terminal 3 operations, GACL—acting with ministerial approval—initiated the repurposing of Terminal 2.
The company explained that repurposing involves converting a facility from its original use to meet evolving operational needs. In this case, Terminal 2 is being transformed from a domestic-only terminal into a dual-use facility serving both domestic and international passengers.
GACL dismissed claims that it is mischaracterizing refurbishment as repurposing.
Economic Considerations
Addressing concerns about potential impacts on Terminal 3’s return on investment, GACL described such fears as unfounded.
It noted that:
- International operations generate higher revenue than domestic operations
- Expanding international capacity through Terminal 2 creates operational synergy with Terminal 3
- The approach supports Ghana’s ambition to become a competitive regional aviation hub
Legal and Governance Compliance
On governance concerns, GACL rejected suggestions of possible breaches of the Public Financial Management Act (2016) and the Public Procurement Act (2003).
The company maintained that:
- All processes relating to Terminal 2 since 2013 have complied with applicable laws
- Due process has been followed in all contracting and execution stages
Security and Infrastructure Enhancements
GACL also disputed claims that Terminal 2 lacks modern aviation systems.
It stated that the facility is already equipped with:
- CCTV surveillance systems
- Baggage handling systems
- Biometric processing capabilities
Under the ongoing works, these systems are being upgraded, including:
- Introduction of 3D advanced screening scanners
- Enhanced passenger facilitation processes, reducing the need for shoe removal and allowing items such as laptops and liquids to remain in bags
The company said these upgrades align Terminal 2 with modern global standards already in use in parts of the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Transparency and Public Accountability
GACL reiterated its commitment to transparency, stating that it will respond to information requests in line with the Right to Information Act.
GACL maintained that the repurposing of Terminal 2 is a strategic and cost-effective decision aimed at strengthening Ghana’s aviation infrastructure.
According to the company, the approach:
- Maximizes existing infrastructure
- Supports growing passenger traffic
- Avoids excessive capital expenditure associated with building a new terminal while existing loans are still being serviced
- Prevents prolonged operational disruption
The company reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a modern, efficient, and competitive airport system to meet Ghana’s evolving aviation needs.
