The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) today has expressed strong disapproval of recent aviation-related taxes introduced by the Ghanaian government, warning that these measures contradict established regional reforms and may jeopardize the air transport sector in West Africa.
In a sternly worded letter signed by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray, the organization highlighted that Ghana’s new charges violate a binding agreement aimed at lowering air travel costs among member countries.
The communication referenced Supplementary Act A/SA.2/12/24, under which ECOWAS leaders committed to eliminating several taxes associated with air transport, including ticket taxes, tourism levies, solidarity taxes, and overseas travel taxes, effective January 2026.
Furthermore, member states had agreed to reduce essential aviation fees, such as Passenger Service Charges and security fees, to enhance affordability and promote regional integration.
ECOWAS noted that these reforms received backing from international aviation organizations due to concerns that West Africa remains one of the costliest regions for air travel globally. However, the Commission criticized Ghana for taking steps in the opposite direction.
“The ECOWAS Commission has therefore noted with concern that the Government of Ghana has imposed a new security charge of $18 on return tickets effective February 1, 2026,” the letter stated.
It also mentioned an additional fee, indicating that “Ghana Airport Company Limited has, as of April 1, 2026, instituted an Airport Infrastructure Development Levy of $100 on return international travel.”
The Commission emphasized that these actions directly contradict both the regional agreement and international aviation standards.
“Ghana’s implementation of these additional charges contravenes both the letter and spirit of the aforementioned ECOWAS Supplementary Act,” it asserted.
ECOWAS also referenced global aviation guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organization that discourage excessive taxation on air transport.
The letter warned that these new charges could exacerbate affordability issues for travelers already burdened by rising aviation fuel costs, making air travel unaffordable for many Ghanaians and other West African passengers.
While such fees may be framed as revenue-generating measures, the Commission argued they are ultimately counterproductive.
“This situation does not stimulate growth in demand for air transport in our region; rather, it stifles passenger travel,” it cautioned.
The organization pointed to disappointing passenger numbers at major West African airports, including Accra, Lagos, Abidjan, and Dakar, attributing suppressed demand to high taxes despite significant population potential.
“The primary cause of suppressed demand in the ECOWAS Region is over-taxation and excessive charges,” it stated.
The Commission further warned that continued reliance on such fees could divert traffic away from the region. “Ongoing taxation of the air transport sector will only redirect regional traffic to competing hubs,” it cautioned.
ECOWAS is now calling on Ghana to reconsider its stance. “In light of the above, the ECOWAS Commission urges the Government of Ghana to immediately suspend the newly imposed charges,” the letter urged.
It also encouraged Ghana to investigate alternative financing options for aviation infrastructure, including partnerships with the private sector and support from development banks.
The issue is set to be part of a regional review, with ECOWAS confirming that it will present a progress report on implementation at upcoming ministerial and summit meetings.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong