UE/R: PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – UPGRADING THE PAGA/NAVRONGO AIRSTRIP: A COST-EFFECTIVE AND STRATEGIC OPTION FOR A REGIONAL AIRPORT

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:

The Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) expresses its profound appreciation to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, for his recent announcement directing the Ghana Airports Company to seek private investors for the development of a regional airport in the Upper East Region through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. We see this as an opportune moment to advance a compelling case for the upgrading of the existing Paga/Navrongo Airstrip into a full-fledged regional airport.

It is important to clarify that our advocacy is not a selfish one, but a curiosity as to why the tried and tested Paga/Navrongo airstrip cannot be upgraded. It is a call on the government and potential investors to consider the most cost-effective, technically feasible, and economically viable approach to achieving the vision of a regional airport anywhere in the Upper East Region.

The background to this press release by the Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) in consultation with other stakeholders is that:

Radio stations and social media handles have of late been awash with a campaign for a one-sided approach to undertaking such a public investment as a regional airport. Some of the chats and talk shows go as far as to taunt Paga-Navrongo as having already lost the opportunity for the proposed airport.
The expectation that the officials of the Ghana Airports Company Limited and the Upper East Regional Minister would have also visited to assess the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip site, which has served Ghana for over 50 years, has not been met;
Both the Chief Executive of Ghana Airports Company and the Upper East Regional Minister have unfortunately adopted a one-sided approach to the said project, giving the impression that the Ministry of Transport, and the Government for that matter, has already approved of their unfair approach in the discharge of their duties as public officers.
Questions are being raised by the Kassena-Nankana community as to why a new site at Anateem (not in Bolgatanga, the Regional Capital), approximately 15km from Bolgatanga and 30km from the Paga border—is being promoted, but ironically using proximity to neighboring Burkina Faso as a justification for siting the regional airport there.

Based on the foregoing, unnecessary shots have been called in disregard for fairness, transparency, and proper stakeholder engagement regarding the proposed Upper East Regional Airport. Besides, it is public interest issue, and Ghanaians deserve to know ( and be able to verify) what informs the decision of Government to site the airport project at point “A” or point “B” in the Upper East Region.

We, therefore, can no longer keep quiet—much as we have been prepared, from day one, to welcome the siting of an Upper East Regional Airport anywhere in the region, so long as the decision is guided by sound principles of technical feasibility, cost- effectiveness, economic viability, strategic value, and inclusive consultation.

Unfortunately, the communication coming from OUR NEWLY APPOINTED REGIONAL MINISTER and many after him points to a “win-loss” situation and not of mutuality.

Our press statement is therefore to hear from the Hon. Minister for the entire Upper East Region, the Ghana Airports Company Limited, and for that matter the Government, what the fate of the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip is; now that they have refused to assess its potential for the Regional Airport.

THE PAGA/NAVRONGO AIRSTRIP:

The Paga/Navrongo Airstrip, constructed in 1939 and completed in 1940 by the colonial administration for military purposes, remains a historically significant and strategically positioned asset. Feasibility studies conducted by previous governments, including a comprehensive assessment under the leadership of the late Hon. Joseph Kofi Addah as Minister of Aviation, have consistently affirmed that upgrading the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip into a domestic airport is both financially and technically feasible.

Given that Government now seeks private sector participation, we believe investors will find greater value in upgrading an existing airstrip rather than starting from scratch.

We believe the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip already possesses the foundational infrastructure, which will significantly reduce the capital investment required compared to constructing a new airport from an undeveloped site.

ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC BENEFITS OF UPGRADING THE PAGA/NAVRONGO AIRSTRIP

Proximity to Burkina Faso and Economic Gains:

Paga/Navrongo extends to Ghana’s border with Burkina Faso, providing a crucial gateway for cross-border trade and movement of people.

Upgrading the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip into a regional airport will enhance trade between Ghana and the Sahelian countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. These landlocked nations rely heavily on efficient transport networks for the movement of goods and people. An airport in Paga/Navrongo will also facilitate commerce and reinforce Ghana’s position as a trade hub within the sub-region.

Tourism and Investment Opportunities:

Paga is home to major tourist attractions, including the world-famous Crocodile Ponds and the historic Pikworo Slave Camp, which hosts an annual Emancipation Festival attracting visitors from across the globe. Many African Americans and Europeans tracing their roots to Africa have shown growing interest in investing in the Upper East Region. An airport in Paga/Navrongo will bolster tourism, stimulate local businesses, and enhance investor confidence.

Security and Emergency Response

The ongoing security threats in the Sahel region, particularly make the strategic importance of the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip even more evident. An upgraded airstrip will enhance Ghana’s security preparedness for rapid deployment of security forces in the event of any security breaches. This makes Paga/Navrongo an ideal location for an airport from a general security standpoint, ensuring a proactive response to emerging threats.

Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs

There is no doubt that a regional airport offers significant opportunities for academic and cultural exchange programs between Ghana and its Francophone neighbors. It will promote deeper integration through educational collaborations and cross-cultural engagement.

Overwhelming Traditional and Community Support

In June 2020, the ten paramount chiefs of the Kassena-Nankana area paid a courtesy visit to then-President, HE Nana Akufo-Addo, to advocate for the airstrip’s elevation to an airport. Their continued endorsement underscores the widespread public backing for the airstrip’s upgrade .We therefore find it out of place for the public officials already named, not to have visited the Paga/Navrongo site and having not mentioned it, even in passing to our traditional authorities. What a scheme of things!

A CALL TO THE GHANA AIRPORTS COMPANY LIMITED

In line with the directive from His Excellency the President for the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) to seek investors for the regional airport project, we urge the GACL to conduct a thorough assessment of the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip, just as was done with the now- being developed site at Anateem. A comparative evaluation of both sites will enable the government and investors to make an informed decision based on technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and strategic benefits. The Paga Youth Movement stands ready to facilitate and support a visit by the GACL team to the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip to ensure a comprehensive assessment is conducted.

A CALL TO GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE INVESTORS

We respectfully urge the Government of Ghana, under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, to consider upgrading the existing Paga/Navrongo Airstrip as the most practical and financially prudent option for an airport in the Upper East Region. We further appeal to private investors to seize this golden opportunity to put their resources where they can derive the highest returns with minimal investment, and in good time.

The Paga Youth Movement and the Kassena Nankana Community remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the government, investors, traditional authorities, and the people of the Upper East Region, to ensure that this vision becomes a reality. We also acknowledge the invaluable role of the media in amplifying this important discussion.

Together, let us make the dream of an airport in the Upper East Region a reality, leveraging the strengths of an existing asset to achieve maximum impact for Ghana and beyond.

SIGNED:

Desmond Ayambire Abire

Public Relations Officer, Paga Youth Movement

0248088552/0202188059

Wednesday, May 28, 2025