UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Sadat Dabo
President John Dramani Mahama has inspected the proposed site for the Upper East Regional Airport at kulbia-Anateen, reaffirming his government commitment to delivering the long-awaited aviation infrastructure that is expected to transform economic activity and improve connectivity in the region
Addressing traditional leaders and residents during the inspection, President Mahama expressed gratitude to the chiefs and people of the area for donating the land for the project
He said the airport would not only serve as an aviation hub but also form the nucleus of a new airport city aimed at creating additional economic opportunities.
President Mahama said the facility will significantly reduce travel time between the Upper East Region and Accra, eliminating the need for residents to travel about 160 kilometres to Tamale to catch domestic flights
President Mahama noted that the airport would serve as a major catalyst for investment, tourism and commerce, adding that mining companies operating in the region would also benefit from being able to transport gold bullion by air instead of relying on road transport or chartered helicopters
He disclosed that the Upper East Airport forms part of three airport projects currently being pursued by his administration, alongside new airports in Wa and Sunyani
The President said the procurement process is nearing completion and expressed optimism that by the end of the year, he would return to officially cut the sod for construction to commence
Although the project has a contractual completion period of 24 months, he revealed that contractors have assured government they could complete the work in less time
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), James Agalga, briefed the President on the project’s technical specifications
He explained that the airport will feature a 2.2-kilometre runway with space for two aircraft simultaneously, a taxiway, airfield lighting to support night operations, an integrated passenger terminal and Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, a Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) station, and a five-kilometre asphalt access road
Mr. Agalga said the airport has been designed to handle approximately 100,000 passengers annually, with provisions for future expansion as passenger traffic increases
He indicated that the project is currently at the public procurement stage and is expected to secure all required approvals by October, paving the way for the sod-cutting ceremony and commencement of construction
Paramount Chief of the Kologo Traditional Area, Naba Tandegrewongrekugre V, thanked President Mahama for prioritising the project and praised the government for fulfilling its promises to the people of the Upper East Region
He expressed confidence that the airport project would be completed without unnecessary delays, enabling residents to travel directly by air from the region to Accra
The Upper East Regional Airport is expected to improve accessibility, stimulate investment, enhance trade and strengthen regional integration when completed
Source – gbcuraonline.com
