Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional MinisterMr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, stated that the construction of an airport in the region will facilitate accelerated development and economic improvement for both the area and Ghana as a whole.
He emphasized that the Upper East Region is well-positioned for an airport due to its proximity to the Sahel region and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constructing the airport, as promised, to enhance investment and development.
Mr. Akamugri made this statement during a visit to the proposed site for the Upper East Regional Airport in Anateem, a suburb of the Sumbrungu community in the Bolgatanga Municipality.
He was accompanied by technical officials from the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL). This visit came just a week after President John Dramani Mahama, during his “Thank You Tour” of Bolgatanga, reiterated his commitment to the project and directed GACL to secure funding for its realization.
The officials’ visit aimed to gather first-hand information about the proposed site, which would inform their work to bring the project to fruition.
Efforts to construct an airport in the region began in the late 1970s and early 1980s when around 2,888.72 hectares of land were earmarked at Anateem for this purpose. Since then, numerous technical evaluations and feasibility studies have been conducted to assess the site’s suitability for the airport project.
However, despite various promises, successive governments have been unable to bring this project to reality after more than 40 years, leading to frustration and disappointment among local residents. During the tour, the Regional Minister noted that if the airport were constructed, it would significantly impact multiple sectors, including security, agriculture, business, and mining.
Mr. Akamugri pointed out that the region is strategically located, bordering two major countries: Burkina Faso and Togo. An airport in this region would not only benefit the people of Northern Ghana but also serve residents of neighboring countries. This, he said, would enhance local businesses, attract tourism, generate foreign exchange for the country, attract investments, and create job opportunities for the youth.
Regarding security, he highlighted the necessity of the facility to facilitate the swift movement of security personnel to respond to emergencies and assist those who struggle with land transport. The Regional Minister indicated that the region is becoming a mining hub, with mineral deposits in several communities. He disclosed that at least seven out of the 15 municipalities and districts in the region have gold deposits, and measures are being taken to explore these resources.
He emphasized that the construction of the airport would not only boost mining activities in the region, creating more job opportunities for residents but would also enable mining companies to transport their gold safely, minimizing the risk of armed robberies on the roads.
Mr. Akamugri called on all stakeholders to support the project to ensure its successful realization.
