West Africa Regional Director of CUTS International, Appiah Kusi Adomako, said Ghana’s domestic airfares are climbing because the market has become less competitive. Adomako pointed out that the number of scheduled domestic operators has fallen from four in 2013 to just two today – Africa World Airlines and PassionAir.
He noted that the industry once had Starbow, Citylink, Fly540 and AWA in 2013, but by 2017 only one carrier remained before PassionAir joined in 2018. The shrinking roster, he warned, weakens the incentive for airlines to lower fares, innovate, or chase marginal passengers.
“Two airlines do not prove collusion or abuse, but fewer independent rivals reduce the pressure to discount, innovate and pursue marginal passengers,” Adomako said. He added that the limited number of operators should not automatically be seen as evidence of collusion.
Adomako called on the government to create conditions that would encourage new airlines, especially low‑cost carriers, to enter the domestic market. He argued that greater competition would expand consumer choice, increase capacity and push airlines to offer more competitive fares.
What happens next? The government’s response to these recommendations will shape the future of Ghana’s aviation sector and could bring fares down for travelers.
