President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the construction of a connecting concourse linking Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at the Accra International Airport.
The project, which also includes the extension of Gate C1 at Terminal 3, forms a two-part expansion designed to enhance the airport’s operational capacity, improve the passenger experience and strengthen the spatial continuity across the airport campus.
The connecting concourse is conceived as the central architectural and operational link between the two terminals, going beyond a simple passage to create a dynamic space that facilitates movement, accommodates new aircraft stands and enhances the overall passenger journey.
The Gate C1 extension, on the other hand, is designed as a natural and fully integrated continuation of Terminal 3, respecting the terminal’s existing geometry, materials and spatial rhythm rather than appearing as a standalone addition.
When completed, the concourse will deliver five passenger boarding air bridges, modern waiting and holding areas, premium and VIP lounges, retail and commercial facilities and enhanced passenger service infrastructure.
“This project will transform how passengers move within the airport, enabling seamless, secure and efficient connectivity between the two terminals,” the President said during the sod cutting ceremony on Monday.
He added that the project would also improve aircraft turnaround time and elevate the overall quality of service at the gateway.
The sod cutting comes in direct response to growing pressure on the airport’s infrastructure.
Passenger traffic has risen sharply from 1.8 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2025, and peak hour congestion between 6pm and 10pm GMT is already affecting check-in, immigration, security screening, boarding and baggage handling.
“If these are not addressed, these pressures will undermine efficiency and erode the pleasant passenger experience,” President Mahama warned.
The concourse project complements the ongoing repurposing of Terminal 2 into a dual-purpose facility capable of handling both domestic and international traffic, with selected airlines to be relocated there to ease the strain on Terminal 3.
The President noted that he was confident airlines initially reluctant to move to Terminal 2 would change their minds once the upgraded facility was completed.
Beyond the concourse, the government has advanced plans for a 7-storey, 2,000-bay multi-storey car park at Terminal 3, incorporating retail and dining areas, a sky-view lounge, a dual-concept airport hotel and conference facilities.
New 3D security scanners are also being installed at both terminals, which will eliminate the need for passengers to remove laptops, tablets, shoes and belts at security checkpoints.
President Mahama also stated that New airports are being procured for Bolgatanga, Wa and Nsuatre near Sunyani, while the Kumasi Airport runway is being extended to accommodate wide-bodied international aircraft, and a new 54-metre air traffic control tower is nearing completion.
The President said all the investments were part of a deliberate push to position Ghana as the most preferred aviation hub in West Africa as competition in the regional aviation sector intensifies. “Ghana is ready to lead, ready to compete and ready to build world-class infrastructure that matches our ambitions,” he stressed.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
