Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s aviation sector during a panel at the company’s 20th anniversary lecture on Monday, November 9, 2026. She urged authorities to prioritise seamless air travel across Africa, the creation of a strong national airline and the development of an international airport beyond Accra.
Opare said that improving connectivity across the continent is the most urgent need for the industry in the next five years, arguing that easier movement between African countries would be critical to strengthening regional aviation and supporting economic integration.
She also highlighted the need for a national carrier with a robust fleet to enhance Ghana’s presence in the international aviation market. “We should have a national airline that has a strong and robust fleet,” she stated. The Managing Director further projected a technologically advanced aviation sector, with improved systems and infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
The remarks came amid rising passenger traffic at Accra International Airport, where international passenger numbers climbed from 1.8 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2025. Opare said that building an international airport outside Accra would ease congestion at existing facilities, expand the country’s aviation capacity and support the growth of air transport.
GACL, incorporated in January 2006 and commencing operations on January 1, 2007, is responsible for the development, management and maintenance of airports and airstrips across Ghana. The event, held under the theme “A Legacy of Resilience: Developing Further, Serving Better,” brought together government officials and aviation industry stakeholders to reflect on the company’s achievements and discuss the future of the sector.
Looking ahead to the next 20 years, Opare’s vision for Ghana’s aviation infrastructure signals a bold step toward regional integration and economic growth. Stakeholders will now need to translate her roadmap into concrete policy and investment plans.
