The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has earmarked GH¢30 million for payment to the Government of Ghana, marking its first dividend payout since the state-owned aviation company was established in 2007.
The planned dividend represents a major milestone in the financial relationship between GACL and its sole shareholder, the Government of Ghana, which owns 100 per cent of the company.
Managing Director of GACL, Yvonne Afriyie Opare, announced the proposed payment at the company’s 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM), where she presented its operational and financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025.
According to Mrs Opare, the company has made provisions to pay GH¢30 million to the government despite facing financial pressures associated with airport infrastructure development and the operation of regional airports.
She explained that although Kotoka International Airport remains the company’s main commercial hub, regional facilities in Kumasi, Tamale, Sunyani and Ho are yet to generate sufficient revenue to cover their operating expenses.
GACL continues to finance major infrastructure projects and airport operations using internally generated funds, placing pressure on its cash flow and liquidity position.
GACL Records Growth in Passenger Traffic and Profit
Despite these financial challenges, Ghana Airports Company recorded growth in passenger traffic, aircraft movements and cargo handling during the 2025 financial year.
Passenger numbers increased by six per cent, rising from 3.4 million in 2024 to 3.6 million in 2025. Aircraft movements also grew by 2.2 per cent to 47,270, while cargo throughput increased by 4.8 per cent to 44,826 tonnes.
The company’s profitability also improved, with profit increasing to GH¢354.6 million in 2025 from approximately GH¢336 million in the previous year.
GACL Restructures Kotoka International Airport Terminal 3 Loan
Meanwhile, the company continues to manage financial obligations associated with major aviation infrastructure investments, particularly the loan facility secured for the construction of Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport.
To ease repayment pressures and improve its financial position, GACL secured approval to restructure and refinance its syndicated loan.
The revised agreement extends the loan repayment period by eight years and provides a one-year moratorium on principal repayments.
The arrangement is expected to improve cash flow management and give the company greater financial flexibility to continue investing in airport infrastructure across the country.
The proposed GH¢30 million dividend therefore comes at a time when GACL is balancing its responsibility to generate returns for the government with the need to maintain, expand and modernise Ghana’s airport infrastructure.
The development also highlights the growing importance of the aviation sector to Ghana’s economy, particularly through passenger services, international trade, cargo transportation, tourism and investment.
Source: newsthemegh.com