President Akufo-Addo has revealed that there are projects currently ongoing in the country’s aviation sector.
According to him, the projects will bode well for the aviation sector as it forms a vital part of government’s agenda.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the Sunyani airport, President Akufo-Addo described it as a “a seminal moment in the growth and development of this elegant city”. He noted that the rehabilitation of the airport is a critical part of government’s vision to expand the frontiers of the aviation industry in the country and to realise the dream of making Ghana an aviation hub in West Africa.
“I am happy to inform you that there are projects currently ongoing in our nation’s aviation sector which will open up our country even further. They are Phases II & III of the Kumasi Airport project, which are presently some ninety-three percent (93%) complete, and Phase II of Tamale Airport which is ninety-five percent (95%) complete.”
President Akufo-Addo
The President highlighted that in line with government’s policy to provide a functional air travel infrastructure to enhance the development of the country’s Middle Belt and “strengthen the growth of agriculture, general business and industrial transformation”, a works contract was awarded to M/S Resource Access Limited to commence work on the rehabilitation of the airport, which began in 2019.
He indicated that the scope of works included the rehabilitation and extension of the runway from 1,280 metres to 1,400 metres; repair of the apron to accommodate small to medium size aircraft; minimal renovation of the Terminal Building and construction of some airport internal roads.
President urges stakeholders to manage airports properly
President Akufo-Addo stated that with air travel picking up, following the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry, it is expected that domestic passenger traffic will continue to grow over the coming years, and will require more infrastructural developments in the sector.
Touching on the widespread encroachment of airport lands, a phenomenon which threatens the future expansion of airports in the country, President Akufo-Addo stated that “it must be stopped”.
“The operators and regulators of our airports, as well as the Lands Commission, need to sit up and ensure that lands, belonging to our airports, are managed properly and duly protected, not only for future projects of expansion, but also for safeguarding lives and property.”
President Akufo-Addo
The President assured residents of Sunyani that the project is a sign of greater things to come for Sunyani and the Bono Region and the country as a whole.
“The Akufo-Addo Government’s commitment to the development of all parts of Ghana, without discrimination, is absolute.”
President Akufo-Addo
Commenting on the history of the airport, President Akufo-Addo expressed that for an airport of such “rich history to be allowed to deteriorate and be temporarily shut down in March 2016 was in bad taste”. As such, it was necessary for government to make a move in the run-up to the December 2016 general election, as he “promised to do something about it”.
The existence of the Sunyani Airport dates back to the Second World War in 1942, when it was used as an airstrip for the Allied Forces. In 1969, the then far-sighted Busia Government, realising the need for an airport in Sunyani, initiated construction work to convert the airstrip into an airport. This was completed and officially opened on 13th July 1974 by Col. P.K. Agyekum, the then Commissioner for Transport and Communications.
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