ECOWAS clashes with Ghana over new airport taxes
ECOWAS has raised strong objections to new aviation-related taxes introduced by Ghana. In a letter signed by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray, the regional body says Ghana's new charges go against a binding decision aimed at reducing the cost of air travel across member states. The letter refers to Supplementary Act A/SA.2/12/24, under which ECOWAS leaders agreed to abolish several air transport-related taxes, including ticket taxes, tourism levies, solidarity taxes and overseas travel taxes, effective January 2026. The ECOWAS Commission noted with concern that the Government of Ghana imposed a new security charge of $18 on return ticket effective February 1st 2026.
The Ghana Airport Company Limited has imposed an Airport Infrastructure Development Levy of $100 on return international travel as of April 1st 2026. ECOWAS warned that these measures directly contradict the regional agreement and international aviation principles. The Commission warned that the new charges risk worsening affordability for passengers already affected by rising aviation fuel costs, "rendering air travel unaffordable for many Ghanaians and West African travellers alike." ECOWAS also pointed to weak passenger performance across major West African airports, including Accra, Lagos, Abidjan and Dakar, blaming high taxes for suppressed demand despite strong population potential.
ECOWAS is urging the Government of Ghana to immediately suspend the newly imposed charges. The issue is expected to form part of a regional review, with ECOWAS confirming it will present a progress report on implementation at upcoming ministerial and summit meetings.
Quick Summary
ECOWAS and Ghana are at odds over new aviation taxes- a move the regional body fears will hurt West Africa's air travel sector. The taxes may undermine regional integration efforts- but how?
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