President John Dramani Mahama has inspected the proposed site for the Upper East Regional Airport, saying government hopes to cut the sod for construction before the end of the year.
The President said the airport would not only improve air connectivity but also serve as a catalyst for a new economic hub in the region.
He made the announcement on Thursday during an inspection of the proposed site, where he thanked traditional rulers for providing the land for the project.
President Mahama said government planned to develop a city around the airport to attract businesses, create jobs and stimulate economic activity.
He said the airport would end the long-distance journey residents currently make to access air transport, noting that travellers from the Upper East have to cover about 160 kilometres to Tamale to catch flights to Accra.
With the new airport operational, he said, residents would be able to fly directly from the region to Accra.
Boost for business
President Mahama also pointed to potential benefits for the region’s mining industry, particularly gold-producing companies.
He said mining companies could use the airport to transport gold bullion to Accra more conveniently, reducing their reliance on bullion vans and chartered helicopters.
The airport, he added, would make the region more attractive to investors by easing travel between the Upper East and Accra.
The facility is being designed with an initial capacity of 100,000 passengers, with provision for future expansion as passenger traffic grows.
President Mahama said the project has a contractual completion period of 24 months, although the contractor has indicated that it could be delivered ahead of schedule.
He disclosed that government was also pursuing airport projects in Wa and Sunyani.
The President said the procurement process for the Upper East Airport was being closely monitored and expressed optimism that construction would commence soon.
“We are hoping that before the end of the year we will be back here to cut the sod,” he said, adding that contractors would soon begin mobilising to the site as preparations advance.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
