Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia yesterday inaugurated the Tamale International Airport phase two project.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr Bawumia pointed out that the phase two project cost an amount of $70 million, a figure he indicated, was significantly lower than the $110 million cost incurred under the John Mahama government for the Phase I.
“It is important to note that at $70million, the cost of works on the Tamale Airport Phase II Project is significantly lower than the $110m cost incurred under Phase I, undertaken between 2014 and 2016, although the scope of works – extension of the runway by one kilometre, installation of lights and the partial fencing of the airport – were fewer,” Vice President Bawumia noted.
Vice President Bawumia cut the sod for the construction of the second phase in 2019.
Works undertaken at the Airport include an approximately 5,000 meter squared expandable ultra-modern Airport Terminal Building with annual passenger throughput of 400,000; a multi-purpose Terminal (Hajj Facility), 5km Single Carriageway Access Road; a 330 capacity car park, a Technical hub to manage electricity, waste water treatment and other essentials, as well as other ancillary facilities.
Other features of the New Terminal Building are a VIP lounge, two Boarding Gates, two Self-Service Check-in Kiosks, eight Check-in Desks, Airline offices and Commercial Retail Area and a Multi-Purpose Terminal to include Hajj facilitation.
According to Dr. Bawumia, discussions for the funding of this project and the Kumasi International Airport began in 2018, after the formation of the UK-Ghana Business Council, of which he is co-chair.
“I am happy to note that the Council’s discussions have been very fruitful, as we are witnessing today. Government is grateful to the government of the United Kingdom for funding, through the UK Export Fund (UKEF) this beautiful edifice we are commissioning today,” he explained.
Vice President Bawumia said the development of the Tamale Airport Phase II is in line with Government’s aviation sector infrastructure development programme to expand the frontiers of the aviation industry and to make Ghana the aviation hub within the West African Sub-Region.
“The completion of this ultra-modern terminal building together with a multi-purpose Terminal and other ancillary facilities are expected to provide the needed impetus for increased economic/trading activities and to re-inforce the status of Tamale as a Sub-Saharan Hub Airport for flights to and from neighbouring West African countries and the Sahel Region. The Tamale International Airport, will serve as an alternative to the Kotoka International Airport,” he added.
The Vice President said the airport was expected to serve as a catalyst for industrialization and rapid socio-economic development.
“Indeed, Government intends to use Tamale International Airport to support the programmes of the Northern Development Authority (NDA) of Ghana to harness fresh agricultural produce for export to other parts of the world and to generate employment and create wealth in this geographical zone,” Dr. Bawumia emphasised.
Access to market
Noting that the Northern Region is renowned for its vibrancy in agricultural and economic activities, Vice President said 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 neighboring countries.
“Indeed, Government intends to use Tamale International Airport to support the programmes of the Northern Development Authority (NDA) of Ghana to harness fresh agricultural produce for export to other parts of the world and to generate employment and create wealth in this geographical zone.
“The boost in agriculture would be leveraged to support the development of Agro-based industries in Northern Ghana. The expansion of the Tamale International Airport is expected to serve as a catalyst for industrialization and rapid socio-economic development.
“It is my hope that other service providers will leverage the completion of this project to invest in other areas such as the establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, development of cargo facilities and cold stores for export of fresh produce and establishment of Aviation Training Organization (ATO) among others.
Hajj
The expansion of the Airport is also strategic, Dr Bawumia added, as it will help ease the travel of Muslim faithful for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
“Significantly, it is also expected that the Tamale International Airport will make Tamale the Hajj hub in Ghana and facilitate seamless travel directly to Saudi Arabia for the seasonal pilgrimage to Mecca. It is gratifying to note that the multi-Purpose Terminal, which was completed in 2022, has been used in facilitating Hajj Pilgrims in 2022 and 2023.
Airport Lands
Vice President expressed concern about the widespread encroachment on airport lands, warning that it threatens future expansion of our airports and could hamper rescue efforts in the unlikely event of an accident.
“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 therefore charge the authorities involved to enforce the law and I also entreat all citizens to cooperate for us to fully benefit from the development of the aviation sector.”
For his part, Minister for Transport Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, said the Tamale International Airport will serve as an alternative to the Kotoka international airport.
“The expansion of the airport has been undertaken to improve facilities to cater for the ever-changing aviation industry and to provide an unmatched experience for all airline passengers in today’s increasing, interconnected and globalize world,” he added.
Mr. Asiamah added that the Tamale Airport will serve as an important gateway in forging stronger economic ties, supporting international trade and tourism and promoting religious and cultural exchanges.
The Northern Regional Minister, Shani Alhassan Shaibu, in his welcome remarks commended the Akufo-Addo government for the numerous infrastructure development in the region.
