Stories and facts
Established in 2006, Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) stands as a pivotal authority entrusted with the comprehensive oversight of airport development, maintenance, planning, and management across Ghana. Anchored by notable facilities such as Kotoka International Airport, Wa Airport, Tamale Airport, Sunyani Airport, Ho Airport, and Kumasi Airport, GACL's inception emerged from the reconfiguration of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to align with the dynamic contours of the aviation industry.
Embarking on its operational journey on January 1, 2007, post-amendments to the GCAA Act 2004, GACL absorbed critical functions previously within the purview of the GCAA. These encompass a broad spectrum of responsibilities, including the provisioning of rescue and firefighting services, safeguarding the integrity and security of aircraft, passengers, and cargo, orchestrating auxiliary support services, and facilitating seamless air traffic movements. Additionally, GACL shoulders the mantle of spearheading the development, administration, and upkeep of airports and airstrips countrywide.
With a steadfast commitment to infrastructural enhancement, GACL has spearheaded notable projects aimed at elevating airport capabilities and services. Foremost among these is the monumental construction of Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport, culminating in its completion in June 2018, with an estimated investment of US$350 million. Concurrently, substantial investments have been directed towards the construction of a new runway at Tamale Airport, with an outlay approximating US$130 million, alongside the establishment of a new airport in Ho, Volta Region, necessitating an allocation of approximately US$25 million.
Underpinning its aspirations for economic dynamism, GACL champions the ambitious urban development endeavor coined Airport City Accra, pivoted around Kotoka International Airport. This transformative initiative aspires to metamorphose the airport precinct into a vibrant economic nucleus, fostering trade facilitation and job creation opportunities.
Despite commendable achievements, GACL has navigated through challenges and controversies. Notably, allegations surrounding purported government intentions to privatize the company catalyzed demonstrations among workers, vehemently opposing privatization. Moreover, apprehensions arose regarding the treatment of travelers remiss in COVID-19 test payments, compelling GACL to issue clarifications.
The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated formidable financial headwinds for GACL, precipitating diminished demand and escalated unit charges. Responding judiciously, the company recalibrated its fiscal strategies, apportioning costs across ancillary sectors within the travel value chain to buffer financial exigencies.
Ghana Airports Company Limited assumes an indelible mantle within Ghana's aviation milieu, catalyzing infrastructural evolution and perpetuating safety and operational efficacy within air transport ecosystems. Undeterred by adversities, GACL persists in its mission to galvanize air travel facilitation, emblematic of its enduring commitment to Ghana's socio-economic advancement.
