The Upper East Region of Ghana has long aspired to have its own airport, a dream that has spanned over four decades. The region’s strategic location, bordering Burkina Faso and Togo, coupled with its untapped economic potential, makes the construction of an airport a compelling proposition. Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, has been a vocal advocate for this project, emphasizing its potential to transform the region’s economic landscape and contribute significantly to national development. His recent visit to the proposed site in Anateem, a suburb of Sumbrungu in the Bolgatanga Municipality, underscores the renewed commitment to finally bringing this long-awaited project to fruition. Accompanied by technical experts from the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL), the visit aimed to assess the site’s readiness and gather crucial information to propel the project forward. This renewed push comes on the heels of President John Dramani Mahama’s reaffirmation of his commitment to the airport during his recent tour of the region, directing the GACL to secure the necessary funding for its construction.
The proposed airport is not merely a transportation hub; it represents a catalyst for multifaceted development in the Upper East Region. Mr. Akamugri has highlighted the airport’s potential to positively impact various sectors, including security, agriculture, business, and the burgeoning mining industry. The region’s proximity to the Sahel region further strengthens its case for an airport, positioning it as a crucial link between Ghana and its northern neighbors. This strategic advantage would facilitate trade, tourism, and cross-border cooperation, generating substantial economic benefits for the region and the nation. The airport’s potential to attract foreign investment and create much-needed job opportunities, particularly for the youth, is a key driver behind the government’s commitment to its construction. Furthermore, the enhanced connectivity offered by the airport would stimulate agricultural development by providing easier access to markets for farmers and facilitating the transport of agricultural produce.
Security concerns are also a significant factor in the push for an airport in the Upper East Region. With increasing security challenges in the region and beyond, the airport would enable the swift deployment of security personnel and resources in times of emergency. This enhanced security presence would not only protect local communities but also create a more stable environment conducive to investment and economic growth. The region’s growing mining sector stands to benefit significantly from the airport’s construction. With gold deposits discovered in several districts, the airport would facilitate the safe and efficient transportation of mined resources, minimizing the risk of robberies and ensuring a secure supply chain for mining companies. This improved security would further attract investment in the mining sector, creating more jobs and stimulating economic activity in the region.
The history of the Upper East Regional Airport project is a testament to the region’s enduring aspirations for development. Efforts to establish an airport in the area date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when a significant tract of land was earmarked for this purpose in Anateem. Despite numerous feasibility studies and technical evaluations confirming the site’s suitability, successive governments have failed to materialize the project, leaving the local population frustrated and disillusioned. The current administration’s renewed commitment, coupled with the President’s directive to secure funding, signifies a turning point in this long-standing pursuit. The GACL’s involvement and their on-site assessment further solidify the government’s intention to finally deliver on this promise.
The Upper East Regional Minister’s unwavering advocacy for the airport project underscores its importance to the region’s future. He has consistently emphasized the transformative potential of the airport, not just as a transportation facility but as a driver of economic growth and development. His recent visit to the proposed site, accompanied by GACL officials, demonstrates the tangible progress being made towards realizing this long-held dream. The airport’s strategic location, its potential to boost various sectors, and the government’s renewed commitment all point towards a positive outcome for the region. The realization of this project holds the promise of unlocking the Upper East Region’s vast potential, contributing to national development, and improving the lives of its residents.
The construction of the Upper East Regional Airport represents more than just an infrastructure project; it embodies the hopes and aspirations of a region striving for progress and prosperity. It signifies a commitment to connecting the region with the rest of the country and the world, opening up new avenues for trade, tourism, and investment. The airport’s potential to create jobs, enhance security, and stimulate economic growth is crucial for the development of the Upper East Region. The current administration’s renewed focus on this long-delayed project, backed by concrete actions and the President’s directive, provides a strong foundation for its successful realization. The collaborative efforts of the Regional Minister, the GACL, and other stakeholders will be instrumental in bringing this vital project to fruition, fulfilling a decades-long dream and ushering in a new era of development for the Upper East Region.
