A recent Auditor-General’s report has highlighted financial results for the five regional airports in the country.
The report, which covers the accounts of public boards, corporations, and statutory institutions for 2023, shows that the airports collectively earned GH¢13.13 million in revenue for 2022, while their expenditures totaled GH¢39.14 million.
This led to a substantial deficit of GH¢26.01 million, prompting a reassessment of strategies to enhance regional airport development and boost economic benefits.
The airports involved are Kumasi Airport (now Prempeh I International Airport) in the Ashanti Region, Tamale Airport in the Northern Region, Wa Airport in the Upper West Region, Sunyani Airport in the Bono Region, and Ho Airport in the Volta Region.
A closer look at the financial details reveals Kumasi Airport had expenses of GH¢15.68 million but only generated GH¢8.22 million in revenue.
Tamale Airport reported revenue of GH¢4.74 million against an expenditure of GH¢15.41 million. Sunyani Airport brought in GH¢95,626.58 in revenue with a spending of GH¢4.53 million.
Ho Airport did not generate any revenue but had an expenditure of GH¢1.38 million. Wa Airport earned GH¢77,250.48 in revenue while investing GH¢2.15 million in its operations.
Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu attributed the poor performance to low passenger numbers, a limited number of domestic airlines, and the underutilization of rentable airport facilities.
The report noted that the airports’ lack of commercial viability is impacting the financial health of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) due to high operational costs and low revenue.
The report also warned that neglected facilities, like those at Ho Airport, might deteriorate over time.
To address these challenges, it recommended that GACL management incentivize domestic airlines to use these airports and launch marketing campaigns to attract more travelers.
Additionally, it suggested finding concessionaires for idle spaces to generate rental income and collaborating with regulatory authorities to ease restrictions for potential airlines while ensuring safety.
In response, airport management acknowledged the commercial challenges but expressed hope that new infrastructure and international flights could improve viability.
They stressed that developing these airports aligns with national policy and will create significant job opportunities during and after construction.
GACL emphasized its role in providing essential social and public services across the country and is committed to investing in regional airports to support national economic growth.