President Mahama says he has directed the National Airline Taskforce to present to him a roadmap to revive the country’s dead Ghana’s national carrier by close of this week.

He made this revelation during the Speaking at the sword-cutting ceremony held yesterdayTuesday , April 28 Accra International Airport for the expansion of Gate C1 at Terminal 3 and the construction of a new concourse linking Terminals 2 and 3.

“This week, I’m meeting the task force I set up to work towards the re‑establishment of our national airline. I’m looking forward to receiving their presentation outlining the concrete roadmap for Ghana’s flag to fly proudly across Africa and in the global aviation space once again,” he said. while emphasising how the re-establishment of the airline will go a long way to help salvage the growing unemployment the country is currently battling.

He continued that “Reviving a national airline will not only rekindle national pride but also create employment opportunities for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and other aviation professionals.”

The project is set to reduce congestion and boost Ghana’s ambition of becoming a leading aviation hub in West Africa.

The sword cutting ceremony comes a few weeks after the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye government’s plans for the project.

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.

Renaming of Accra International Airport

Barely a week after the government announced the reversal of the International Airport to its original name, Accra International Airport, it formally announced the reversal in a statement dated February 3. 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 was done in 1969, after it was 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 before being 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.