GACL suspends imposition of $20 round-trip ticket fee on travelers
The Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) has decided to suspend discussions regarding the imposition of a $20 charge on all round-trip airline tickets for travelers using the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
This decision follows intense public backlash and concerns raised by Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding the legality of the charge.
Initially, GACL had announced the implementation of a $20 fee on round-trip tickets starting May 1, 2024, to cover the costs of baggage belt repairs and maintenance at the airport.
However, this move faced criticism as it was perceived to be imposed without proper parliamentary approval.
The Minority in Parliament raised questions about the legality of the charges, emphasizing that Parliament had not approved them.
They demanded answers from the Minister for Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, regarding the authority behind GACL’s decision to impose such fees.
“What authority does the Ghana Airport Company have to impose fees, and are these charges consistent with the Fees and Charges Act approved by the Parliament of Ghana? Mr Speaker, this will be a cost to Ghanaian travellers from abroad to Ghana.
“Mr Speaker, I think that the Minister for Transport will have to be hauled by you to this House to explain the authority of the Ghana Airports Company and to explain to Ghanaians where he had the authority and mandate from,” MP for Tamale South constituency and former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu said.
But the MP for the Nhyiaeso Constituency, Dr Stephen Amoah, cautioned the Minority against politicising the move, however, acknowledging the need to ensure that any fees imposed on travelers by GACL are in line with the country’s laws.
In response to the concerns raised by MPs, the First Deputy Speaker ruled that the Transport Minister should appear before Parliament on March 19 to provide explanations regarding the development.
