A TASTE OF THE AIRPORT; A TASTE OF CLASS

Many have been blessed to be etched in the sands of time and one of those fast rising eagles is in this land of my birth and a glorious dream come true. Having gone through many a phase of change it is now a force to reckon with in my humble opinion. what am i talking about?. The Kotoka International Airport, built in the nineteen forties and used as a military aero dome by the royal air force (British) during the world war II.


 In January 1956, a development project was launched for the construction of a proper airport by the civilian government as power was now in their care.

This picturesque beauty of history had gone through a myriad of successes as well as a difficult setting but as many would have it, history is as rich culture. Located in the central capital of the gold laden nation of Ghana, the Kotoka international airport, prior to known as the Ghana international airport owes its rich name to Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka who lost his life in an abortive coup on 26 February 1966 at what is now known as the forecourt of the airport. This brave soldier a part and parcel of the Ghanaian political history,who if had become a goldsmith as he dreamed before changing his mind, would have cost Ghana a rich name and one of great influence. This edifice occupies 1610 acres and is about 10 kilometers from the city center with its central location in the world is on the Greenwich meridian and also close to the equator makes it comfortably and easily accessible from any part of the world.

It has gone through many a trial such as the commissioning of the new terminal and one large (south-west/north-east runway, which unfortunately is the only one but very much a home away from home for most air crafts. The central  points which are to die for are the terminal 1 and 2 which serves as departure and arrival lounges. Terminal 2 is the home to international departures and as such holds two such magnificent lounges namely Akwaaba lounge which is managed by AHS Menzies and Adinkra managed by aviance are soothingly up beat and a comfort of class.

There is also a general sitting area,along with bars to quench your thirst, on offer with water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For the lovers of class and the sweet tooths' such as myself; the place to find yourself is the duty free shop managed by dufry/GTDC located on the first floor of terminal 2  departure lounge, remember not to get soo' lost in their charm as to miss your flight. their service is impeccable and one that keeps you wanting more and if you can't get enough,there's another in the baggage reclaim hall of terminal 2. The icing on the cake for me is the fact that you can bank while you wait. oh YES! i said it BANK!. this cozy bank service offered by Zenith bank is located at the meeters and greeters area and the good news is they serve travellers as well as non-travellers, so if you're there to say goodbye to a loved one or a hearty akwaaba, we can meet your financial needs  at the arrival lounge which is operated by Holiday Inn Hotel. Ah yes! one tiny detail, due to the nature of our airport,which isn't quite as big as we would have liked, families and friends saying goodbye can not do so at the check in hall, hence the availability for passengers and people who have genuine related business.

Feeling lost? don't worry there is always signs in English and French helping one make the transition from one end to the other,there are also flight and security related announcements on public address systems and if  anyone has anymore trouble, there is a knowledgeable and visible customer service personnel to help you. Fabulous isn't it?
Forget money or a bit of change? no problemo, a bureau de change is all you need, this is also located within the arrivals baggage reclaim hall and the airport square for the safest and smoothest local and foreign currency transactions. In dire need  to send last minute fax, e-mail, photocopy a document?, well, the business center at terminal 1provides all these facilities with internet access and there's another located on upper concourse of terminal2 which also provide such services.

From beginning to end  we've got you covered, though we are not the largest in the world,we're fast becoming the most  loved in west Africa.