Omanghana
The government has called on domestic airlines to reduce ticket prices following the introduction of a policy waiving import duties on aircraft spare parts.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe made the appeal on Monday, September 21, 2026, during the official unveiling of Africa World Airlines’ new 102-seater Embraer E190 aircraft.
He said the duty waiver introduced by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration was intended to lower the operating costs of domestic carriers and make air travel more affordable.
According to the minister, airlines benefiting from the policy must pass some of the resulting savings on to passengers through lower fares.
Nikpe noted that the government’s investments in airport infrastructure and other aviation facilities would have limited value if high ticket prices continued to prevent many Ghanaians from travelling by air.
He said the country was not constructing and modernizing aviation facilities merely to showcase attractive buildings but to create an accessible, competitive and affordable domestic transportation network.
The minister urged Africa World Airlines, as one of the leading operators in Ghana’s domestic aviation market, to take the lead by reviewing its fares. He also extended the appeal to other local carriers.
The government believes that reducing airfares could encourage more people to use domestic flights, improve regional business connections and support tourism across the country.
Passengers have repeatedly raised concerns about the cost of travelling by air between Ghanaian cities, particularly when fares increase during periods of high demand.
Airlines, however, have previously attributed high ticket prices to operating expenses, including fuel, maintenance, aircraft parts, insurance and foreign exchange pressures.
The removal of import duties on spare parts is expected to ease some of those costs, particularly expenses associated with aircraft maintenance and replacement components.
The Ministry of Transport said it expects the aviation industry to respond positively to the intervention and ensure that the financial benefits are reflected in fares paid by travelers.
Source: Omanghana
