ECOWAS clashes with Ghana over new airport taxes, warns of damage to regional aviation

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has raised strong objections to new aviation-related taxes introduced by Ghana. ECOWAS warned that the measures contradict agreed regional reforms and could undermine West Africa's air transport sector. 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 that the Government of Ghana imposed "a new security charge of $18 on return ticket effective February 1st 2026." It further cited that "Ghana Airport Company Limited has as of 1st April 2026, imposed an Airport Infrastructure Development Levy of $100 on return international travel." ECOWAS also linked the issue to International Civil Aviation Organization guidelines discouraging excessive taxation on air transport. The letter 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 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.