Originally a British Royal Air Force base during World War II, this facility was handed over to civilian control and converted into Accra International Airport in 1958 under President Kwame Nkrumah’s modernization initiative. Renamed Kotoka International Airport in 1969, it served as the national carrier hub for Ghana Airways and later GIA. Extensive expansions occurred in the 1990s and early 2000s, including terminal upgrades, runway extensions, and installation of modern navigation systems News Ghana+7gacl.com.gh+7Wikipedia+7. A major Terminal 3, opened in September 2018, has a capacity of 5 million passengers annually (expandable to 6.5 million), with several boarding bridges, business lounges, and retail spaces Wikipedia+1richardkyereh.com+1. As Ghana’s principal gateway, KIA continues to be positioned as a regional aviation hub.
Located in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, this airport began as a British military air base in 1943 before being transitioned to civilian use in 1999. In 2024, it was officially renamed Prempeh I International Airport. That year it handled over 453,201 passengers, making it Ghana’s second busiest airport Graphic Online+2gacl.com.gh+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+1Times Aerospace+1. Renovations in multiple phases since the early 2000s added a new terminal, runway extensions, and instrument landing systems. Plans are underway to extend its runway to 2,320 meters to accommodate larger aircraft and attract international carriers en.paperblog.com+6Times Aerospace+6Reddit+6.
Built originally in 1940 for military use, this airport underwent significant upgrades for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and was later expanded again beginning in 2019. The second phase, completed in August 2023, added a modern terminal capable of handling 400,000 passengers annually, with VIP lounges, boarding gates, retail areas, and a new road network Wikipedia. Though still lacking scheduled international flight routes, the airport has hosted Hajj pilgrimage flights and remains poised to serve as an alternative hub in northern Ghana
GACL has renewed focus on upgrading airport infrastructure, expanding capacity, and improving passenger experience. The Airport City 2 project at Kotoka International is part of a broader strategy to diversify revenue through non-aeronautical activities like retail and commercial real estate within airport precincts Graphic Online. Meanwhile, the successful Phase II expansion of Tamale International Airport, commissioned in August 2023, positions the Northern Region as a future agro-export and pilgrimage hub, especially with its new Hajj facility and cargo infrastructure.
In March 2025 President Mahama directed GACL to secure funding to develop a new airport in the Upper East Region via a public-private partnership model—partnerships include gold mining companies—to facilitate safe transport of bullion and generate regional growth.
GACL’s board has also conducted working visits to regional airports (Kumasi, Sunyani, Tamale, Wa) to monitor expansion progress, with most projects nearing completion and aimed at boosting domestic and cross-border connectivity.
Ghana’s aviation network now comprises three international airports and five regional airports, each with its own historical roots and evolving strategic importance. From colonial-era airstrips to modern terminals, the network reflects the nation’s ambition to be a key player in West Africa’s air travel landscape. The combination of expansion projects, infrastructure investment, and government-led strategic planning signals a renewed focus on transforming Ghana’s airports into engines of regional connectivity, economic growth, and global engagement.
