The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has reiterated the government’s commitment to constructing the long-awaited Bolgatanga Airport during a site inspection on Friday.
Accompanied by a technical team from the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), the Minister assessed the readiness of the proposed site and assured stakeholders that the project remains a priority under the current administration.
“The airport is not just a project; it is a necessity for the economic transformation of the Upper East Region. We are determined to see it through,” Minister Atanga stated.
The visit follows President John Dramani Mahama’s recent “Thank You Tour” of the region, where he reaffirmed his pledge to construct the airport under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The project is expected to receive support from gold mining companies operating in the region.
President Mahama emphasized that beyond boosting tourism and trade, the airport would facilitate the safe airlifting of gold bullion to Accra, enhancing the security and efficiency of the mining industry.
“The economic benefits of this airport are enormous. It will not only ease travel but also unlock the full potential of our region,” the president remarked.
The absence of an airport in the Upper East Region has been growing concern for local leaders. Naba Yelzoya Kosom Asaga II, spokesperson for the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, under the urgency of the project, noting that successive governments have made promises with delivery.
“The Upper East Region is one of the oldest in Ghana, and we deserve an airport. Our people should be able to fly directly from Accra or Kumasi to Bolgatanga without enduring the long and often challenging road journey,” he emphasized.
The community had released 7,000 acres of land in Sumbrungu for the project in the 1970s, but decades of inaction have left the land unused, impacting local farmers and residents.
Tourism experts have long argued that the absence of an airport has hindered the development of the region’s tourism potential. Wisdom Ahadzie, Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, stated that the airport would significantly improve accessibility to key attractions such as the Paga crocodile pond and Tongo Hills.
“Poor road networks have been a major challenge for tourism in the Upper East Region. An airport will change that, attracting more visitors and boosting local businesses,” Ahadziee said in a previous interview with A1radioonline.
As part of efforts to maximize the impact of the airport, the government has also prioritized road upgrades and the construction of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam. These complementary infrastructure projects are expected to enhance connectivity and further stimulate economic growth in the region.
Minister Atanga’s inspection visit signals progress, as the GACL has been directed to secure funding for the project.
“We are at a critical stage where action is more important than words. The government together with our partners, is committed to making this a reality,” he assured.
Residents and business owners in the Upper East Region remain hopeful that this latest commitment will finally bring the long-promised airport to fruition.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/Joseph Ziem
