1800% increase in airport passenger service charge outrageous' - Kennedy Osei Nyarko

Member of Parliament (MP) for Akim Swedru, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, has strongly criticised the government’s decision to increase the Domestic Airport Passenger Service Charge (APSC) from GH¢5.00 to GH¢100.00 for one-way tickets and GH¢200.00 for return flights.

Nyarko argues that this hike, which represents an astronomical 1800% increase, will have a significant negative impact on domestic air travel in Ghana and local airlines.

While acknowledging that the previous charge of GH¢5.00 was too low and required a review, Nyarko believes the current surge in charges is excessive and insensitive, especially considering the financial strain already facing airline passengers.

“We all agree that the GH¢5.00 charge was too low and needed some form of review, but increasing it by about 1800% is outrageous,” Nyarko said.

He emphasised that such a steep rise would deter domestic air travel and negatively affect the country’s local airlines, who are already facing challenges with rising flight fares since January 2026.

The MP proposed a more gradual, annual increase that would allow passengers to adjust without bearing an immediate, burdensome cost.

“The government could have achieved the same results with a more gradual, incremental approach to avoid shocking passengers and pushing local airlines to the brink,” he added.

Kennedy Osei Nyarko’s remarks come amidst growing concerns about the high cost of domestic flights.

Local airline fares have already seen sharp increases since the beginning of the year and the new APSC hike is viewed by many as an additional strain on an already burdened populace.