GACL explains rationale behind Terminal 2 repurposing

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has defended its decision to repurpose Terminal 2 at the Accra International Airport, describing criticisms of the project as “false, misleading, and misconceived.”

This follows a recent opinion article that questioned the rationale behind refurbishing Terminal 2 instead of pursuing a new terminal project.

In a response, GACL clarified that the construction of Terminal 3 was not based on Terminal 2 being obsolete, as has been suggested in some public commentary.

“The claim that the construction of Terminal 3 was based on Terminal 2 being obsolete is false, misleading, and misconceived,” the company stated.

According to GACL, the decision to defer major reconstruction works on Terminal 2 and instead build Terminal 3 was informed by a 2013 terminal planning study. At the time, Terminal 2 was the only facility handling international passenger operations.

The company explained that undertaking reconstruction works on an active terminal would have caused “significant disruption to live operations,” a decline in passenger experience, and “severe revenue losses.”

GACL further noted that the decision was guided by the need to maintain operational continuity rather than any plan to decommission Terminal 2.

“The overriding factor in the decision-making process was the need to avoid disruption to ongoing operations,” the statement said.

The 2013 study also recommended the development of a connecting concourse between Terminals 2 and 3. This was later reinforced by a 2014 Dorsch report, commissioned by the Ministry of Transport and supported by the World Bank, which projected that Terminal 2 would eventually be refurbished and integrated with Terminal 3.

“It is therefore contradictory to suggest that a credible, World Bank-backed study would recommend connectivity with a terminal deemed obsolete,” GACL added.

The company also rejected claims that Terminal 2 has been neglected, pointing to several upgrades carried out over the years, including the remodelling of parts of the arrivals hall in 2013 and the expansion of facilities currently housing key state agencies.

“These investments clearly demonstrate continued functional relevance, not abandonment,” the statement noted.

Following the completion of Terminal 3, international operations were moved there, while Terminal 2 was repurposed for domestic use. However, GACL said ongoing works aim to convert Terminal 2 into a dual-use facility capable of handling both domestic and international flights.

“Repurposing refers to converting a facility from its original use to a different function in response to evolving operational needs,” GACL explained, dismissing claims that it is mischaracterising refurbishment efforts.

On economic concerns, the company maintained that expanding international operations into Terminal 2 would enhance revenue generation and complement Terminal 3 operations.

“Expanding international capacity through Terminal 2 creates operational synergy with Terminal 3 and supports Ghana’s ambition to become a competitive regional aviation hub,” it stated.

GACL also dismissed suggestions of legal breaches, insisting that all processes related to Terminal 2 have complied with the Public Financial Management Act and the Public Procurement Act.

“All processes relating to Terminal 2, from 2013 to date, have fully complied with applicable procurement and financial management laws,” the company said.

Addressing concerns about infrastructure, GACL stated that Terminal 2 already has key systems such as CCTV surveillance, baggage handling, and biometric processing in place. These are being upgraded as part of the ongoing works, including the introduction of advanced 3D screening scanners.

“These upgrades place Terminal 2 in line with modern global standards,” the statement said.

GACL reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that it would respond to any formal information requests in line with the Right to Information Act.

In conclusion, the company described the repurposing of Terminal 2 as “a strategic, cost-effective, and forward-looking decision” aimed at maximising existing infrastructure, supporting growing passenger traffic, and avoiding unnecessary capital expenditure.