President John Dramani Mahama has said the location of the proposed Wa Airport, although relatively farther from the current centre of the regional capital, has been deliberately chosen with the future expansion of Wa in mind.
According to him, infrastructure projects of this nature must be planned beyond present needs and should take into consideration the development of communities over the next two decades.
President Mahama made the observation during an inspection of the airport site as he concluded his two-day Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper West Region.
He acknowledged concerns raised by some residents about the distance of the proposed airport from Wa but said the location could ultimately help stimulate the physical and economic expansion of the city.
“Some people have observed that the airport site is a little farther from Wa. But projects like this require us to think not only about today, but about the next twenty years,” he said.
The President cited the location of the Accra International Airport as an example of how infrastructure that was once situated outside a major city can eventually become surrounded by urban development.
He noted that the area around Accra Airport was once largely undeveloped, but rapid expansion of the capital has resulted in significant development around the facility.
“In the same way, this airport will encourage Wa to grow and expand in this direction,” President Mahama said.
He expressed confidence that the new airport would become a major economic and developmental asset to the Upper West Region.
The President also disclosed that funding for the project had already been secured, procurement completed and contractors selected.
Construction is expected to begin soon after the contractor mobilises to site, after which government will return to the location for the formal sod-cutting ceremony.
The airport will include modern navigational facilities and runway lighting to support safe aircraft operations during both the day and night.
President Mahama said the project was therefore not only about providing an alternative means of transportation but also about laying the foundation for the long-term spatial and economic growth of Wa and the wider Upper West Region.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭
