President Mahama to Launch Major Airport Expansion as 24-Hour Economy Secures $5.5 Billion in Private Investment

President John Dramani Mahama is set to officially break ground on a massive multi-purpose infrastructure project at the Accra International Airport on August 27, 2026, marking a significant milestone in his administration's developmental agenda. The project, which includes a high-capacity car park and a dual-hotel complex, coincides with major updates regarding the government's flagship 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme. Since its inception in July 2025, the program has successfully secured approximately $5.5 billion in project commitments from the private sector, signaling strong investor confidence in Ghana's economic shift toward round-the-clock productivity.

The airport expansion is specifically designed to address chronic parking shortages that have persisted since the operational shift to Terminal 3. The development features a seven-storey structure housing over 2,000 car bays, alongside two modern hotels and a pedestrian link for seamless terminal access. Beyond logistics, the complex will serve as a commercial hub, incorporating a shopping mall, a food court, and a specialized sky lounge with an observation deck for aircraft viewing. Funded through an airport development charge introduced in April 2026, the construction is expected to be completed within 24 months, modernizing the gateway to Ghana and enhancing the travel experience for both domestic and international passengers.

Complementing these physical infrastructure gains, Presidential Advisor Augustus Goosie Tanoh recently highlighted the progress of the 24-Hour Economy initiative. Speaking at a media engagement in Accra, Mr. Tanoh revealed that the $5.5 billion in commitments is largely driven by private sector participation, with the government serving as a facilitator rather than a primary financier. Notable highlights include a $1.45 billion solar project by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) and additional renewable energy investments ranging between $2 billion and $3 billion. These projects are central to the administration's goal of transitioning Ghana from an import-dependent nation to a self-sufficient economy.

The administration anticipates that these strategic investments will create approximately 1.7 million jobs by 2028, significantly impacting the manufacturing, agricultural, and service sectors. While the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat focuses on large-scale export and industrial projects, the program is part of a broader vision to reshape the national economic framework. As construction begins at the airport and energy projects move toward implementation, the government remains focused on providing the necessary administrative and infrastructural support to ensure these private-sector-led initiatives achieve their full transformative potential.