The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has raised strong objections to newly introduced aviation-related taxes in Ghana, warning that the measures contravene agreed regional reforms and risk undermining the competitiveness of West Africa’s air transport sector.
In a formal communication signed by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray, the Commission stated that Ghana’s actions conflict with a binding regional framework designed to reduce the cost of air travel across member states.
The letter referenced Supplementary Act A/SA.2/12/24, under which ECOWAS leaders agreed to abolish a range of aviation-related taxes—including ticket taxes, tourism levies, solidarity taxes, and overseas travel charges—effective January 2026. Member states also committed to reducing key charges such as Passenger Service Charges and security fees to enhance affordability and strengthen regional integration.
According to ECOWAS, these reforms were informed by concerns that West Africa remains among the most expensive regions globally for air travel, with high taxes suppressing demand despite significant market potential.
The Commission, however, noted that Ghana has taken measures in the opposite direction. It cited the introduction of a new $18 security charge on return tickets, effective February 1, 2026, as well as a $100 Airport Infrastructure Development Levy on return international travel imposed by the Ghana Airports Company Limited from April 1, 2026.
ECOWAS warned that these additional levies directly contradict both the letter and spirit of the regional agreement, as well as international aviation principles. It referenced guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organization, which discourages excessive taxation in the sector.
The Commission further cautioned that the new charges could exacerbate affordability challenges for passengers already affected by rising aviation fuel costs, potentially limiting access to air travel for many in Ghana and across the region.
While acknowledging that such levies may be intended to generate revenue, ECOWAS argued that they are ultimately counterproductive, as they suppress passenger demand and weaken sector growth.
It also highlighted persistently low passenger volumes at major regional hubs—including Accra, Lagos, Abidjan, and Dakar—attributing this trend largely to high taxation and excessive charges.
The Commission warned that continued reliance on such measures could divert traffic to competing aviation hubs outside the region, thereby undermining West Africa’s connectivity and economic integration objectives.
ECOWAS has therefore urged the Government of Ghana to immediately suspend the newly imposed charges and align its policies with regional commitments. It further recommended exploring alternative financing mechanisms for aviation infrastructure, including public-private partnerships and support from development finance institutions.
The matter is expected to be reviewed at upcoming ministerial and summit meetings, where ECOWAS will present a progress report on the implementation of the agreed reforms.
