Dr. Bawumia during a tour of the newly opened airport
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has commissioned the phase II project of the Tamale International Airport in the Northern Region.
The phase II project, which started in 2019 by Ecobuild Consult and financed by the UK Export Finance and KFW IPEX-Bank of Germany, is estimated at $70 million.
The project includes a new terminal building befitting the status of an international airport. It also includes a first-class 5km road linking it with the Tamale-Bolgatanga highway, a new car park, and commercial vehicle parking.
Other facilities include an ultra-modern Hajj Terminal to be dedicated to Hajj operations, thus making Tamale, the hub of Hajj operations in Ghana.
Dr. Bawumia, at the commissioning, indicated that the phase II project is part of government’s vision to expand the frontiers of the aviation industry and to make Ghana the aviation hub within the West African sub-region, and that the development of the Tamale Airport Phase II is in line with government’s aviation sector infrastructure development programme.
According to him, the project is expected to provide the needed impetus for increased economic/trading activities and to reinforce the status of Tamale as a Sub-Saharan Hub Airport for flights to and from neighbouring West African countries and the Sahel Region.
“The Northern Region, as you may well know, is noted for its vibrancy in agricultural and economic activities. Above all, it is endowed with rich tradition and culture. The location of the airport within the Sahelian belt, also referred to as the food basket of Ghana, is expected to enhance access to market for the local agriculture produce, enhance tourism and attract passengers from neighbouring countries,” he said.
The Vice President noted that the project will be used to support the programmes of the Northern Development Authority (NDA) to harness fresh agricultural produce for export to other parts of the world and to generate employment and create wealth in this geographical zone.
He, however, lamented about the widespread encroachment on airport lands, which he believes could threaten the future expansion of airports in the country, if not curtailed.
“The operators and regulators of our airports, as well as the Lands Commission need to work closely together to ensure that airport lands are properly protected and well managed not only for future airport expansion but also to safeguard lives and property in the unlikely event of an accident occurring at or around the airport enclave.
“I charge the Board and Management to ensure that the building and equipment we see today are properly maintained, equipment and other installations duly serviced, for optimum performance,” he said.
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, stated that the two UK companies involved in the construction of the phase II project planted 3,200 trees across the region during the construction to develop the community.
“I am proud for the partnership between the UK and Ghana that has resulted in this wonderful airport facility which will get things moving in the whole Northern regions of Ghana,” she said.
The Managing Director of the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL), Mrs. Pamela Djamson-Tettey, assured that the GACL will manage and maintain the Tamale International Airport and provide world-class services for the benefit of the country.
The Nanton Naa, Mahamudu Bawa, who read a speech on behalf of the King of Dagbon, Ya Naa Abukari II, said the people of Dagbon cannot wait to witness an international flight aside Hajj flights to fly from Tamale to any part of the world.
He encouraged government to establish irrigation dams in the region to enable farmers cultivate vegetables and other crops in larger quantities for export to Europe and other countries.
BY Eric Kombat, Tamale