The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has announced plans to construct three new airports in Sunyani, Wa, and Bolgatanga as part of efforts to expand Ghana’s aviation infrastructure and boost economic activities.
Speaking at a media engagement on Thursday, 2 April, he outlined key limitations in the country’s current airport network, stressing the need for major upgrades to support modern air travel and regional connectivity.
He explained the existing challenges with short runways at several airports, saying, “We only have Accra airport, Kumasi, Tamale, Wa, and Sunyani; the runways are too short, so jet engines or planes cannot fly to those areas.”
Focusing on Sunyani, the Minister noted that the current runway is inadequate for jet operations. “The Sunyani airport runs only 1.4 kilometres, which will not allow any jet engine to land there,” he said, adding that the government is proposing a new facility with a longer runway of about 2.5 kilometres that will accommodate both propeller and jet aircraft.
On Wa, he explained that similar limitations exist and require urgent intervention. “Wa is the same way. We have to look at the Wa airport and build a new Wa airport to be able to serve the northern part of Ghana,” he said.
Turning to Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, Mr Nikpe said the proposed airport would also enhance regional trade and connectivity with neighbouring countries. “The same way in the Upper East Bolgatanga, we are looking at how to serve our landlocked countries, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger”, he said.
He further highlighted the economic potential of the project, adding, “They all want to do business with us because they rely on our ports for all their imports and exports, and so most of them want to travel by air. We are looking at building a new airport in Bolgatanga as well.”
The Minister indicated that funding for the three new airports will come from revenue generated through the newly introduced Airport Infrastructure Development Levy. “So three brand new airports will be built based on these levies we are going to collect,” he said.
He also pointed to infrastructure gaps at existing airports, particularly the absence of adequate aircraft parking areas. “We do not have what we call aprons where you park the aircraft,” he said.
Mr Nikpe added that Terminal 2 is being remodelled into a facility that will serve both domestic and international operations, with supporting infrastructure being developed to improve efficiency.
He further stressed the need for urgent upgrades at the country’s main international gateway, stating, “However, the Accra airport needs to be financed and completed quickly.”
He noted that the runway has not seen significant rehabilitation for years despite increasing passenger traffic. “That runway has not seen any rehabilitation for years now, and looking at the increased number of passengers, we need to update our facilities,” he said.
Acknowledging public concerns over the new levy introduced on Wednesday, 2 April, which requires domestic travellers to pay GHS100, international passengers $100, and regional as well as ECOWAS travellers $15, the Minister maintained that the fiscal decision is necessary to fund infrastructure development and support national growth.
“We know it is not easy to accept taxes, but as a country that wants to create employment for our youth, as a country that wants to be the gateway to West Africa and Africa, we need to take certain drastic decisions to raise enough revenue and improve facilities within our airspace,” he added.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com
