For travellers arriving in a country for the first time, the airport often shapes their first impression of its service standards and hospitality. Immigration clearance, ease of movement, staff conduct and the reliability of airport services can influence how visitors perceive the country.
For Ghana, that first impression matters as it seeks to establish itself as a leading aviation hub in West Africa. Achieving that ambition will require more than modern terminals and runways. It will depend on the quality of passenger services, efficient airport operations and the ability to connect businesses and travellers to regional and international markets.
Chief of Staff Dr Julius Debrah said the airport experience was central to how visitors perceive Ghana, making the quality of service at the country’s airports an important part of its aviation ambitions.
“For someone visiting us for the first time, he looks at the airport. From that same moment begins the experience of our country,” he said at the launch of the 20th anniversary of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).
Dr Debrah said airports must be more than transit points, stressing their role in supporting businesses and creating economic opportunities.
“An exporter sending fresh produce abroad should see our airport as a dependable partner in growing their businesses,” he said.
He said airports connect visitors to hotels and other businesses, link exporters to international buyers and create employment opportunities for young people. Ghana’s aviation strategy, he added, must therefore focus not only on infrastructure but also on reliable services, regular maintenance and a skilled workforce.
Dr Debrah also called for regional airports to be supported by viable routes and effective operations so they could contribute meaningfully to the national aviation network. He linked efficient airport services to the government’s 24-hour economy agenda, noting the need for transport and logistics systems that support businesses beyond conventional working hours.
He further emphasised the importance of making airports accessible to passengers with disabilities and older travellers, saying all users should be able to navigate airport facilities with dignity.
The Chief of Staff said the resilience of the aviation sector depended not only on infrastructure but also on the people who operate and maintain it, including frontline workers and engineers. He urged stakeholders to ensure that visitors leave Ghana with a positive impression of the country.
“When people arrive in Ghana, let them feel welcome. When they leave, let them leave with a reason to return,” he said.
Minister outlines priorities for aviation hub
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari-Nkwe said Ghana’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub would require sustained improvements in operational efficiency, customer service, air connectivity, innovation and financial sustainability.
He identified five priorities for the sector: safety and security, passenger experience, sustainable infrastructure, technology and innovation, and commercial and financial management.
The minister said airport development must be supported by effective road and transport links to make the movement of passengers and cargo easier. He also highlighted digital solutions, stronger revenue mobilisation and sound corporate governance as important to improving airport performance and ensuring infrastructure investments deliver lasting value.
These measures will be important as Ghana competes with other West African countries to attract airlines, passengers, cargo operators and aviation-related businesses.
GACL looks to its next 20 years
GACL Managing Director Mrs Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare said the company had navigated periods of uncertainty, including the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to develop airport infrastructure and improve services.
She cited Terminal 3 at the Accra International Airport, upgrades at Kumasi and Tamale airports, and the conversion of Terminal 2 for international operations among the developments that have shaped the company’s growth.
Looking ahead, she said GACL would focus on sustainability, technology, operational efficiency and passenger service, while building on the contributions of its staff and industry partners.
The company is marking its 20th anniversary under the theme, “Resilience, developing further, serving better.” It has also received industry recognition, including a Best Airport in Africa award in the departures category in 2025 and recognition in the transformation and innovation category in Africa in September 2026.
For Ghana, the challenge is to turn its airport infrastructure and geographic position into a reliable regional gateway for passengers, trade and investment. That will depend on whether the country can combine infrastructure development with efficient operations, dependable connectivity and a passenger experience that encourages travellers and businesses to return.
