Air Passenger Arrivals Dip 8.5% in July 2025, But Port Activity Surges — Bank of Ghana Report

Ghana’s air travel sector experienced a modest slowdown in July 2025, with passenger arrivals at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) declining by 8.5% year-on-year, even as the country’s maritime trade activity surged significantly during the same period.

According to the Bank of Ghana’s September 2025 Monetary Policy Report, total arrivals at KIA fell to 111,631 passengers, compared to 121,995 recorded in July 2024. The report, however, noted a month-on-month improvement, with arrivals up 3.0% from June 2025, indicating a gradual rebound in air travel demand.

Air Passenger Trends Reflect Post-Pandemic Adjustment

The Bank of Ghana report attributed the decline in year-on-year air arrivals to broader economic adjustments, fluctuating exchange rates, and global travel trends, which have influenced business and leisure travel patterns across sub-Saharan Africa.

Despite the decline, cumulative data show relative stability in the travel sector. Between January and July 2025, total international passenger arrivals at KIA and Ghana’s land borders stood at 722,020, only marginally down from 724,412 during the same period in 2024.

Industry analysts say this marginal decline underscores the resilience of Ghana’s aviation sector amid persistent global cost pressures and currency volatility.

“The travel industry is facing global headwinds — higher fuel prices, tighter budgets, and the ripple effects of inflation,”
said an aviation analyst in Accra.
“But Ghana’s relatively steady arrival numbers suggest that its position as a regional air hub remains intact.”

Seaport Activity Tells a Different Story

While air travel dipped slightly, the story was markedly different at Ghana’s two main seaports — Tema and Takoradi — where international trade activity surged.

Total laden container traffic, covering both inbound and outbound shipments, increased 28.9% year-on-year, rising to 75,183 containers in July 2025, compared to 58,330 containers in July 2024.

In cumulative terms, container traffic for the first seven months of 2025 rose 23.8%, reaching 497,292 containers, compared to 401,845 for the corresponding period last year.

This sharp uptick signals a revival in Ghana’s trade and logistics sector, buoyed by increased export activity, higher import volumes, and improved port efficiency.

“The surge in port activity is a strong indicator that trade volumes are recovering faster than the travel sector,”
noted an economist familiar with the report.
“It reflects Ghana’s ongoing diversification and the resilience of its supply chains.”

Trade Expansion Amid Global Economic Uncertainty

The Bank of Ghana’s findings come at a time when many developing economies are seeking to revitalize international trade while managing inflation and currency depreciation.

The growth in container traffic suggests that Ghana’s ports remain crucial gateways for regional trade, particularly for landlocked West African countries that rely on Tema and Takoradi as transit corridors.

Key drivers of the port performance include:

• Strong demand for industrial imports such as machinery and raw materials.

• Increased export shipments of cocoa, gold, and processed goods.

• Improved port management systems and ongoing infrastructure modernization projects.

These factors have positioned Ghana as one of the more efficient maritime trade destinations in West Africa, even as the aviation sector continues its gradual post-pandemic recovery.

Balancing the Skies and the Seas

The contrasting trends between air arrivals and maritime traffic reflect a shifting balance in Ghana’s post-COVID-19 economic structure.

While air passenger volumes remain below pre-pandemic highs, trade and logistics are benefiting from supply chain normalization and global demand recovery. This divergence highlights where Ghana’s short-term economic strengths currently lie — in trade and infrastructure-driven growth.

According to economic observers, the expansion in trade volumes could help offset some of the revenue shortfalls in tourism and air travel, ensuring a steadier external balance.

“Air travel is recovering slowly, but maritime commerce has become the economy’s steady engine,”
one analyst commented.
“The key is ensuring that both sectors are integrated within Ghana’s long-term growth and logistics strategy.”

Economic Implications and Outlook

The Bank of Ghana report suggests that stronger trade activity could help stabilize foreign exchange flows, improve customs revenue, and strengthen the current account position.

At the same time, declining air travel arrivals may moderate tourism receipts, especially as the hospitality and service industries rely heavily on foreign visitors.

Economists argue that continued investment in tourism infrastructure, competitive pricing in aviation, and sustained port modernization will be crucial for maintaining growth momentum across both sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What caused the decline in air passenger arrivals at Kotoka International Airport?
Passenger arrivals fell due to global economic pressures, currency depreciation, and higher travel costs, though local arrivals improved slightly month-on-month.

2. How significant is the 8.5% drop in arrivals?
It represents a modest year-on-year decline, but the overall travel sector remains resilient compared to regional trends.

3. Why did seaport container traffic increase so sharply?
The surge was driven by higher import and export volumes, improved port operations, and Ghana’s role as a key transit hub for regional trade.

4. What does this mean for Ghana’s economy?
Stronger port performance could boost trade revenue and offset weaknesses in the travel and tourism sector, supporting broader economic stability.

5. What is the Bank of Ghana’s outlook for the rest of 2025?
The central bank anticipates continued trade growth, gradual improvement in air traffic, and moderate inflationary pressure influenced by global markets.

Source: Accra Business News