The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has criticised Ghana over new taxes linked to air travel.
The regional body says the charges go against agreed reforms meant to make flying cheaper across West Africa and could hurt the aviation industry.
In a formal letter signed by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray, the organisation expressed concern about Ghana’s decision.
It argued that the move conflicts with a binding agreement that member states approved to reduce travel costs and improve regional movement.
ECOWAS referred to a decision under Supplementary Act A/SA.2/12/24, where leaders agreed to remove several aviation-related taxes.
These include ticket taxes, tourism levies, solidarity fees, and overseas travel charges, with implementation set for January 2026.
The agreement also encouraged countries to reduce other charges, such as passenger service fees and security costs. ECOWAS said these reforms aimed to make air travel more affordable and strengthen regional integration.
According to the Commission, international aviation bodies supported the reforms because West Africa remains one of the most expensive regions for air travel.
However, ECOWAS says Ghana has introduced new charges instead of reducing costs. It stated: “The ECOWAS Commission has therefore noted with concern that the Government of Ghana… imposed a new security charge of $18 on return ticket effective February 1st 2026.”
The letter also highlighted another fee introduced later. “Ghana Airport Company Limited has as of 1st April 2026, imposed an Airport Infrastructure Development Levy of $100 on return international travel.”
ECOWAS insisted that these actions contradict the regional agreement and go against international aviation principles. It stated: “Ghana’s imposition of those additional levies directly contravenes the letter and spirit of the afore-mentioned ECOWAS Supplementary Act.”
The Commission also referenced guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organization, which discourages excessive taxation on air transport.
It warned that rising costs could make air travel difficult for many passengers, especially as fuel prices continue to increase.
“Rendering air travel unaffordable for many Ghanaians and West African travellers alike,” it stated.
ECOWAS argued that the new charges will not support growth in the aviation sector. Instead, it said they could reduce demand and slow down passenger movement across the region.
“This situation is not boosting growth in demand for Air Transport in our region, but rather stifling passenger travel,” the Commission warned.
The body also pointed to low passenger numbers at major airports such as Accra, Lagos, Abidjan, and Dakar. It blamed high taxes for limiting travel demand despite the region’s large population.
“The major cause of suppressed demand in the ECOWAS Region” is “over taxation and excessive charges,” it said.
ECOWAS further warned that travellers may begin to use airports outside the region if costs remain high.
“The continued taxation of the Air Transport sector will only divert regional traffic to competing hubs,” it noted.
The Commission has now called on Ghana to suspend the new charges immediately.
“In light of the foregoing, the ECOWAS Commission urges the Government of Ghana to immediately suspend the newly imposed charges,” the letter stated.
It also advised Ghana to consider other ways of funding aviation infrastructure, such as private investment and support from development partners.
ECOWAS says it will continue to monitor the situation and include it in future regional reports presented at ministerial and summit meetings.
