Modernisation and expansion works are set to begin at the Accra International Airport’s Terminal 2 (arrival) and Terminal 3 (departure) this month, April, according to the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye.

The Minister shared this in a Twitter post on Saturday, April 5. According to the post, “The Ghana Airport Company Limited has an ambitious programme to expand and modernise facilities at the Accra International Airport. Work will begin this month on an ultra-modern Concourse connecting Terminals 2 and 3 to ease congestion and provide world-class, high-end facilities for the travelling public”

According to him, the project forms part of a broader effort to provide world-class, high-end facilities for the travelling public while improving efficiency at the airport.

The new Concourse

The Minister said, “The New Concourse will have 5 new Passenger Boarding Bridges, 5 passenger holding areas, Bi-directional Travelators, 5 new escalators and elevators, 1 VIP Lounge, 4 Business Lounges, 4 New Retail/Duty Free Pods, among others”.

Renovation works at the VVIP lounge of Accra International Airport

The VVIP Lounge of the Accra International Airport (AIA) has been closed temporarily for renovation works aimed at improving the facility.

This was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, April 3, 2026, in a public statement. The scheduled exercise is expected to last until Friday, April 10, to allow for renovation works.

In a public announcement issued in Accra, officials said the refurbishment is intended to enhance the safety, comfort, and overall functionality of the facility used by high-level dignitaries and official guests.

“The closure is to allow for scheduled renovation works aimed at enhancing the safety, comfort, and overall functionality of the facility,” the statement said.

The ministry added that the exercise forms part of broader efforts to upgrade key national infrastructure and improve service delivery.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining efficient and high-quality public service despite the temporary disruption.

The VVIP Lounge at the airport is typically reserved for senior government officials, diplomats and other high-profile travellers.

KIA changed to Accra International Airport

Kotoka International Airport was officially renamed back to its original name, Accra International Airport, on February 24, 2026, following a government announcement and ceremony at the airport grounds.

This was announced in a formal statement dated February 3 by the Transport Ministry and released on Monday, 23. The statement read,

“The Ministry hereby informs the general public that the Government of Ghana has officially reverted the name of Kotoka International Airport to its original name, Accra International Airport. The facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before its redesignation. The government has considered it appropriate to restore the Airport to its former and internationally recognised name”.

It continued that the name change would not affect operations or any existing travel arrangements; however, it will involve the systematic update of official documentation, statutory instruments where necessary, airport signage, digital platforms, aviation publications, and related communication materials.

“This change will not affect airport operations, safety standards, or international travel arrangements. Notably, within the records of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the airport code has remained "ACC".

Consequently, the Minister urged the general public and all other stakeholders to comply with the relevant authorities for a seamless transition.

“ The general public, stakeholders, and international partners are kindly requested to support and cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. The Ministry appreciates the continued cooperation of all stakeholders”, the statement noted.

About Kotoka and the redesignation to Accra International Airport

The renaming of Accra International Airport to Kotoka International Airport took place in 1969, after it opened in 1961, when the then-military government redesignated the facility in honour of Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a Ghanaian army officer who played a key role in the 1966 coup that overthrew President Kwame Nkrumah.

The airport originally served as a military base for the British Royal Air Force during World War II, and was then handed over to civilian authorities. In 1956, under President Kwame Nkrumah, a project was launched to convert the site into a passenger terminal.

The project was completed in 1958, transforming the former military installation into a civilian airport capable of handling about 500,000 passengers a year.

The renaming was announced on February 3 by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga during a parliamentary leadership briefing, noting that the Minister for Transport, Joseph Nikpe, was going to present a bill in Parliament to legally effect the name change.