Ghana Airports Company Earmarks GH¢30 Million Dividend as Passenger Traffic Grows

ACCRA, GHANA — Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has earmarked GH¢30 million for payment to its sole shareholder, the Government of Ghana, in what management has described as its first formal dividend since the company's establishment in 2007.

Managing Director Yvonne Afriyie Opare announced the planned dividend during the company's 11th annual general meeting, where management presented results for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Traffic increased across airports

GACL reported passenger traffic of approximately 3.6 million in 2025, up from 3.4 million a year earlier, representing growth of around six per cent. Aircraft movements increased 2.2 per cent to 47,270, while air-cargo volumes reached approximately 44,826 tonnes, a rise of 4.8 per cent.

Management also reported profit of approximately GH¢354.6 million. However, separate published financial assessments have questioned the composition and comparability of reported profit, including the contribution from non-cash gains. That means the headline figure should not be treated on its own as proof that airport operations are producing equivalent free cash flow.

Regional airports and financing

The company continues to manage and finance airport infrastructure across Ghana. Management acknowledged that domestic operations and regional airports remain financially challenging, with costs not fully covered by their own operating income.

Loan servicing has added pressure, particularly financing associated with Terminal 3 at Accra's international airport. A restructuring of a syndicated loan is intended to extend the repayment period and provide a temporary break from principal repayments.

Management says the financing changes will provide greater flexibility to maintain airport services and undertake infrastructure improvements.

What the dividend means

The planned GH¢30 million payment is a notable step for the state-owned airport operator, but the payment was announced as an amount earmarked for the shareholder. GhanaCurrent has not independently verified when the full amount will be transferred.

Future assessments of GACL's financial performance will need to consider audited earnings, operating cash generation, debt payments and the cost of maintaining airports beyond Accra.