In the West African region, Ghana airports play a prominent role, boasting a network of main airports that serve as vital gateways to the nation. Kotoka’s International Airport in Accra has reached a total of 12,490 international traffic and 8,665 domestic traffic throughout the 1st half of 2023 (Ghana Airport statistics).
This is just an example of how airports play a significant role in facilitating domestic and international travel, fostering economic growth, and enhancing cultural exchange.
This post will facilitate quick access information to the main airports in Ghana as well as the biggest airlines which have its base in the country.
List of airports in Ghana
Kotoka International Airport (ACC) – The most important of Ghana’s airports
© Sm105/Wikimedia – CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED
Kotoka International Airport (ACC), situated in the capital city Accra, is the premier gateway to Ghana. It is located northeast of the historic city center of Ghana’s capital, between the Burma Camp area and the airport district, which is where Greenviews, our luxury apartments complex is located.
Needless to say, it’s right next to Airport Residential Area, one of the best neighborhoods in Accra. This is very convenient as it is only a 10 minute drive away making it an excellent location for you if you travel frequently, whether for work or leisure reasons.
Uber/Bolt/Yango is available for quite an inexpensive fee of approximately 25 ghs. You can also try the adventure of a tro tro experience, but that would require you to walk outside of the airport towards the main road (Liberation Rd.) on which the Marriott hotel is on.
For some interesting background information, Kotoka Airport was named after Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, an influential figure in Ghana’s history. Kotoka was killed in an abortive coup attempt at a location which is now the forecourt of the airport. His statue used to stand at that exact spot, but has since been removed to make way for airport expansion projects.
The airport is very easy to navigate due to its size. It features modern facilities, efficient customs and immigration processes, and a range of international carriers that link Ghana to destinations around the world. Airlines which fly out from and to Kotoka airport are:
- Qatar Airways
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Africa World Airlines
- ASKY
- Air Peace
- TAP Portugal
- KLM
- Emirates
- Turkish Airlines
- Air Côte D’Ivoire
- MEA
- Air France
- Egyptair
- Brussels Airlines
- British Airways
- Kenya Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
Here is a list of available services at Kotoka International airport:
- Information Desk
- ATMs, banks and exchange: For ATMs you can find Ecobank and Barclays. Bank you have the Zenith Bank Ghana which you can find at the arrival hall , Tel: (+233) (0)307 020193
Mondays – Fridays: 8:00am – 5:00pm Saturdays : 9:00am – 1:00pm. - VIP Lounge: Three airport lounges, open 24/7, located in the departure halls of Terminal 2 (Sandra Lounge and Adinkra Lounge) and new Terminal 3 (Akwaaba Lounge) their access is restricted to business and first class travelers of some airlines, to access card holders and to passengers paying a one-time subscription fee. Access to wifi, to bar / snack, to television and to international press.
- WiFi Connection
- Luggage wrapping: a paying luggage wrapping service is available in the check-in area of Terminal 3.
- Bars & Restaurants available:
–Wok Inn: chinese restaurant
–Muttina Bacci: bar and snacks
–Fresh Juice Lounge: fruit juice
–Cassba: bar and snacks
–La Tante Royale: international dishes
–Café Allenoo: bar and snacks
–Alf and Gina: pizzas, snacks, bar
As the entry point for international visitors, the airport’s first impression can significantly influence the perception of the country. We can arguably agree that the Kotoka airport experience reflects the warmth and hospitality for which the nation is known.
Kumasi Airport (KMS)
© James Cridland/Wikimedia – CC BY 2.0 DEED
Kumasi Airport is the second largest airport in Ghana, currently served by two domestic carriers namely: Africa World Airlines (AWA) and PassionAir with flights to Accra.
Although the airport attained its international status in 2014, it has only been operating on a regional level. This is the year that the airport rehabilitated its runway with Aeronautical Ground Lighting Systems paving the way for domestic airlines to commence night operations.
In 2018, phase II began with the construction of a new terminal building expected to handle up to one million passengers per year. Currently they are on phase III, with a test run which began in January of this year. Will Kumasi Airport be the next Kotoka?
Tamale Airport (TML)
Tamale Airport is the third largest in Ghana. Located in the northern part of the country, Tamale Airport serves as a gateway to a region that has its unique cultural identity and economic potential. It has two main domestic airlines, Africa World Airlines (AWA) and PassionAir, operating daily services with multiple frequencies to the Northern Regional Capital.
The reason for developing an airport in the Northern region was to serve as an operational base for troops during World War II. In 1966 it was abandoned with the overthrow of the regime. Despite this, work on the airport continued to accommodate civil and military operations and for special international flights.
As with Kumasi Airport, Tamale Airport has also been undergoing further developments happening in phases. You can now find a VIP lounge; two Boarding Gates; four self-service check-in Kiosks; eight check-in desks; airline offices; commercial retail areas; a Multi-Purpose Terminal to include Hajj travel facilitation and a 5km Road Network among others.
Takoradi Airport (TKD)
Takoradi Airport is the smallest airport amongst Kotoka, Kumasi and Tamale. It only operates domestic airlines, Africa World Airlines (AWA) and PassionAir. Despite being one of the smallest airports, it is one of the busiest airports, with 123,930 passengers in 2022.
This is because many prefer to avoid the stress of using the road when traveling in and/or out of the Western Region in Ghana. If you’re looking to travel to Takoradi or further away (Busua, Nzulezu, etc) getting a flight from Accra to Takoradi is your fastest option!
