The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has suspended the proposed $20 fee on all round-trip air tickets for international passengers.
In a letter signed by the Managing Director of the GACL, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, the company said the directive, which was to take effect on May 1, 2024, was to help cover the cost of baggage belt repairs and other maintenance work at the airport.
This was, however, met with public displeasure.
Consequently, on Wednesday, March 13, parliament summoned the Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, to explain the new fee.
This was after the minority in parliament had argued that the GACL lacked the authority to impose such a charge without parliamentary approval.
In a new statement dated Thursday, March 14, the company said it had rescinded the decision.
“Management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has noted with concern the recent news concerning a charge of $20 on all round-trip airline tickets.
“GACL wishes to place on record that deliberations were ongoing with the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) and the Board of Airline Representatives Ghana in consultation with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and further meetings had been scheduled in respect of the matter,” a part of the statement read.
It added that the company has decided to put on hold all discussions on this.
“In the future, if and when a decision is reached, IATA will communicate the same to all stakeholders.”