President John Dramani Mahama has described the proposed Bolgatanga Airport as a transformative project that will significantly improve air connectivity, attract investment and stimulate economic activity in the Upper East Region.
According to the President, the airport will eliminate the long-standing challenge of residents and businesses in the region having to travel about 160 kilometres to Tamale to access air services to Accra.
President Mahama made the remarks on Thursday when he inspected the proposed airport project site as part of his #ResettingGhana Tour of the Upper East Region.
He said the facility would bring air travel closer to residents of the region while creating new opportunities for businesses, investors and other sectors of the local economy.
The President noted that the airport would be particularly beneficial to businesses operating in the region, including those in the mining sector, by providing a faster and more convenient link between the Upper East Region and Accra.
He expressed optimism that the sod-cutting ceremony for the project would be held before the end of the year and indicated that the contractor would be expected to complete the project in less than the stipulated 24-month contractual period.
The proposed airport will have an initial passenger-handling capacity of 100,000 passengers annually, with the infrastructure designed to allow for future expansion as demand increases.
The project will include a 2,200-metre runway capable of accommodating aircraft operating on domestic routes, as well as an apron designed to handle two aircraft at a time.
Other key components will include a modern terminal building, taxiway, Air Traffic Control tower and a dedicated rescue and firefighting facility.
The airport will also be equipped with airfield lighting to facilitate safe aircraft operations at night and during periods of reduced visibility.
President Mahama said the completion of the project would mark a major milestone in efforts to improve transportation infrastructure in the Upper East Region.
Beyond easing air travel, the airport is expected to strengthen the region’s links with other parts of the country, support trade and tourism, improve access for investors and contribute to increased economic activity.
The project, when completed, is therefore expected to serve as an important catalyst for the development of the Upper East Region and its integration into Ghana’s broader economic network.
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Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭