ACCRA, Ghana, 15th September: President John Dramani Mahama has said the $1.3 billion Sentuo Airport Garden City Project will support Ghana’s drive towards a 24-hour economy by expanding economic activities across several sectors.
He said the project’s mix of hospitality, aviation-related services, conferencing, retail, healthcare, transport and food services could help sustain productive activity beyond traditional working hours.
President Mahama made the remarks at the official revealing of the Sentuo Airport Garden City Project in Accra.
He said the range of activities planned under the development is closely aligned with government’s 24-hour economy and accelerated export development programme.
“Aviation, hospitality, conferencing, transport, retail, healthcare, food services, and related activities can sustain productive activities during extended hours and create additional opportunities for employment and enterprise,” he stated.
The project, valued at approximately $1.3 billion, is expected to include 582 premium apartments, a 600-room hotel, a conference facility with a capacity of 2,500 people, healthcare facilities, a modern shopping mall, landscaped gardens and other commercial and leisure amenities.
President Mahama said the economic impact of the development should extend beyond the immediate project site.
He explained that once completed, the facilities would require a wide range of goods and services, creating opportunities for Ghanaian entrepreneurs and workers.
The President therefore urged the developers to prioritise local businesses and workers where they possess the required competence.
He said Ghanaian engineers, architects, artisans, technicians and suppliers should have meaningful opportunities to participate in the construction and operation of the project.
Young people, he added, should benefit from apprenticeships, practical training and deliberate skills transfer.
President Mahama said the government is committed to creating an environment in which businesses could invest, expand and succeed.
He stressed, however, that private-sector investments must generate tangible benefits for Ghanaians.
“The economic benefits of this development must endure long after construction is complete,” he said.
The President further linked the project to Ghana’s broader tourism ambitions, saying the country must increase the quality and range of accommodation, conferencing and related services available in Accra.
He noted that Ghana had previously lost opportunities to host major international conferences because of inadequate conference and hotel facilities.
President Mahama said the new project would help strengthen the country’s capacity to host major international events while attracting business travellers and tourists.
He urged the developers and relevant public institutions to work together to ensure the project is completed on schedule and delivers the promised benefits.
He subsequently performed the ceremonial sod-cutting to mark the official commencement of the development.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭
