Almost everything in Ghana is expensive – CUTS Director on airfare debate

The director of the West Africa Regional Center-CUTS, Appiah Kusi Adomako, has spoken out on the debate surrounding expensive airfares in Ghana. Adomako argues that the conversation should not solely focus on airlines, as the high cost of living in Ghana has made nearly every aspect of doing business and traveling in the country expensive.

Speaking on Joy News' PM Express Business Edition, Adomako stated that while the airline industry deserves scrutiny, the broader cost structure in Ghana must also be taken into account when assessing the high cost of travel.

The director's remarks come as there is growing public discussion about the cost of both domestic and international air travel in Ghana. Consumers have questioned why airfares remain so high. Adomako emphasized that airlines cannot be held solely accountable for the country's high costs. He noted that expenses extend beyond air travel to include accommodation and various business-related expenses. "Rent is expensive, office space is expensive, hotel accommodation is expensive," he said.

Adomako shared a personal experience in The Gambia, which highlights Ghana's cost levels within the region. While attending a conference in Banjul, Gambia, he was approached with concerns about Ghana's costs. He recounted that Ghana was even considered as a possible location for next year's conference, but issues arose regarding the high cost of hosting events in the country.

Adomako emphasized that concerns about airfares should be viewed in the broader context of Ghana's overall cost environment. "It's not only about airlines, but today, because we are here to discuss aviation, maybe we may want to narrow in and talk about the airline industry," he said.