The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) is raising tough questions about the government’s plan to use the Airport Development Levy to rehabilitate Sunyani Airport and build a new airport in Bolgatanga.
ISSER warns that the economic rationale remains unclear, especially amid Ghana’s constrained fiscal space.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, in presenting the 2026 Budget and Economic Policy, proposed a new Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC) to finance airport upgrades.
Although unconfirmed, Citi Business News understands domestic passengers could face an extra GH¢100 per ticket, while international travelers may pay an additional US$50 per trip.
In its post-2026 Budget analysis, ISSER says the proposal requires a closer look at Ghana’s transport investment strategy, noting that capital expenditure must deliver maximum returns.
The institute calls for a transparent socio-economic cost–benefit analysis for the Bolgatanga project and questions why the existing Tamale Airport cannot serve the region in the short term—especially when upgrading the Tamale–Bolgatanga road could deliver broader economic benefits for communities along the corridor.
ISSER also flagged lessons from the underutilised Ho Airport, urging that new investments align with a coherent national transport plan rather than isolated projects.
The institute further warned of potential tourism impacts, stressing that the Airport Development Levy could influence both international arrivals and domestic tourism.
It called for clearer alignment between the levy, the proposed projects, and Ghana’s wider tourism development strategy, advocating for stronger inter-ministerial policy coordination.
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