Upper East Regional Minister Inspects Proposed Airport Site, Reinforces President Mahama’s Pledge
The long-awaited construction of the Upper East Regional Airport is finally gaining momentum as the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, inspected the proposed site earlier today. The minister’s visit, accompanied by a technical team from the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), underscores the government’s commitment to fulfilling this critical infrastructure project.
Government’s Commitment to the Upper East Regional Airport
The inspection comes just weeks after President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed his pledge to build the airport during his “Thank You Tour” of the region. The president emphasized that the airport would be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with support from gold mining companies operating in the area.
According to President Mahama, the airport will not only enhance tourism and trade but also facilitate the secure airlifting of gold bullion to Accra. This strategic move is expected to boost economic activity and improve accessibility to the Upper East Region.
Historical Context and Community Support
The Upper East Region has been without a functional airport for decades, despite repeated promises from previous governments. In the 1970s, the local community released over 7,000 acres of land in Sumbrungu for the project, but bureaucratic delays have left the site unused, displacing farmers and disrupting livelihoods.
Naba Yelzoya Kosom Asaga II, spokesperson for the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, recently stressed the urgency of the project:
“Upper East Region is an old region and deserves to have an airport. We want to be able to fly from Accra to Bolgatanga, from Kumasi to Bolgatanga.”
Economic and Tourism Impact of the Airport
Wisdom Ahadzie, the Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), highlighted the airport’s potential to transform the region’s tourism and trade sectors. Despite the presence of major attractions like the Paga Crocodile Pond and Tongo Hills, poor road networks and the lack of direct flights have limited tourist access and economic growth.
“The airport will address one of the biggest challenges—accessibility—and open doors for economic growth,” Ahadzie noted, according to A1radioonline.
Strategic Infrastructure Development
The government has outlined a comprehensive plan to support the airport project, including improvements to road networks and the completion of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam. These complementary infrastructure projects aim to maximize the airport’s impact and drive regional development.
Next Steps and Future Outlook
Hon. Akamugri’s inspection signals concrete progress toward the realization of the Upper East Regional Airport. With directives from President Mahama to the GACL to secure funding and engage stakeholders, the project is set to become a game-changer for the region’s connectivity, trade, and tourism.
The completion of the airport will mark a significant milestone in the government’s broader plan to enhance regional infrastructure and economic development in the Upper East Region.
