ECOWAS Challenges Ghana on New Airport Taxes

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has formally objected to new airport taxes implemented by Ghana. The regional body warns these new charges, including a security fee and an infrastructure levy, directly contradict agreements aimed at lowering air travel costs. ECOWAS believes these taxes will harm the vital air transport sector across West Africa. The bloc has expressed its concerns in a formal letter to the Ghanaian government. ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray signed the letter. It highlights that Ghana’s actions go against a binding decision made in December 2024. This decision, Supplementary Act A/SA.2/12/24, called for the abolition of several taxes on air tickets and travel. It also mandated a reduction in key aviation fees. The goal was to make flying more affordable. This would also boost business and tourism across member states. But the ECOWAS Commission states Ghana has taken a different path. On February 1st, 2026, Ghana introduced a new security charge. This charge is $18 for a return ticket. Then, on April 1st, 2026, the Ghana Airport Company Limited added another fee. This is an Airport Infrastructure Development Levy. It costs $100 for a return international journey. ECOWAS considers these new levies a direct violation. They contravene both the letter and the spirit of the ECOWAS agreement. These measures also clash with international aviation standards. The International Civil Aviation Organization discourages excessive taxation on air travel. The ECOWAS warning comes at a time when air travel is already becoming more expensive. Rising aviation fuel costs have put pressure on ticket prices. The new Ghanaian taxes will make air travel even less affordable. This affects passengers in Ghana and across West Africa. ECOWAS argues that these taxes, while intended to raise revenue, are counterproductive. They stifle passenger demand for air travel, rather than boosting it. The Commission points to weak passenger numbers at major regional airports. Accra, Lagos, Abidjan, and Dakar are among these airports. High taxes are identified as the main reason for this suppressed demand. This is despite the large populations in the region. ECOWAS fears that these heavy taxes will push travellers to other regions. Competing international hubs could benefit from this diversion of traffic. The regional body is urging Ghana to reverse its decision. It wants the government to suspend the newly imposed charges immediately. ECOWAS also suggests Ghana explore different ways to fund aviation infrastructure. These could include partnerships with the private sector. Support from development banks is another option. This issue is scheduled for discussion at upcoming regional meetings. ECOWAS will present a progress report on the implementation of its aviation reforms. This report will be shared at ministerial and summit gatherings.