Airport tax revenue shortfall hits GHS400 million

Ghana's airport tax revenue for 2025 was GHS1.56 billion. This is GHS400 million less than the expected GHS1.95 billion target. This means the country missed its target by 20%.

This is the first time since 2020 that airport tax collections did not meet their goal. From 2021 to 2024, collections usually went above targets by an average of GHS300 million each year.

The biggest drop happened in the second half of 2025. The first quarter raised more than expected, by GHS27 million. But the second quarter saw a GHS47 million drop. The last two quarters together had a GHS344 million shortfall.

This drop happened as the Ghana Cedi became stronger against the US Dollar. Also, new government taxes are making airline tickets more expensive. The government says these new taxes will help pay for airport improvements. These include a new link between Terminals 2 and 3, a large car park, and fixing regional airports.

Domestic flights will now cost GHS100 extra. Regional flights will cost an extra $30 for one-way and $70 for return. International flights will have a $50 extra charge for one-way and $100 for return.

Aviation groups worry these new taxes will make Ghana too expensive for travelers. They say Ghana could become one of the most costly places for air travel in Africa. This goes against an ECOWAS plan to lower air taxes by 25% to help regional travel. Rising fuel costs already make flights more expensive. Experts believe Ghana could move from 9th to 3rd highest in African airport charges.