The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson joined the Country Director from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, Giselle Agyare, and the UK’s Northern Ghana Attaché, Paul Edwards, and Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to inaugurate the new Tamale International Airport Phase II in the Northern region.
According to the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, the infrastructure projects supported by the UK Government through UK Export Finance (UKEF) in Ghana, are expected to increase connectivity across the country and the
West African region as well as promote economic growth in Northern Ghana by supporting greater export of agricultural products produced in the region such as shea butter, cashew nuts, and mangoes.
‘‘Today we celebrate not just the expansion of Ghana’s critical infrastructure but, more
importantly, the potential of this fantastic international airport to galvanise investment
and growth across the north of Ghana. Tamale and this whole area of the country are
now connected to markets across the continent and the world.”
“We also recognise the strength of the UK-Ghana economic partnership. This project was driven by the UK-Ghana Business Council, financed through UK Export Finance
, and built by British companies working alongside Ghanaian companies.”
She indicated that UK Company QGMI UK has already provided jobs for more than 500 people, planted 2000 trees across the site, and seen the implementation of a Livelihood Restoration Plan by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), to adequately compensate landowners and users and support them in restoring their primarily land-based livelihoods.
The British High Commissioner to Ghana noted that the new expansion will increase tourism to and from the North with a particular focus on the Hajj, benefitting Hajj pilgrims as the new Multipurpose Facility will serve as a terminal building during the Hajj Season.
“The project was initiated by the UK-Ghana Business Council, since its formation in 2018 the Council has supported more than £223m of investment in infrastructure across the country and created opportunities for both UK and Ghanaian businesses.”
Next April, London will host the 2024 UK-African Investment Summit, bringing together political and business leaders, as well as representatives of international and regional organisations from the UK and African countries, including Ghana, as a further boost to trade and investment.
UK Minister for Exports, Lord Offord said
“Strengthening local infrastructure is key to supporting Ghana’s economic recovery.
“It’s fantastic to see the completed transformation of Tamale airport, backed by UK Export Finance and UK construction companies, Which will create more travel options around the country, boost local jobs, and generate further opportunities for businesses to invest.”
BY Eric Kombat, Tamale