The Minister for Transportation, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah has charged the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) to maintain the upgraded Tamale International Airport with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.
He’s urged the GACL, to do everything possible to ensure that the investment that have gone into the Airport project do not go waste for the good people of Ghana to have the full benefit.
Speaking at the Commissioning of Phase II of the Tamale International Airport on Monday, August 21, 2023, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah said with the enhanced capacity and streamlined processes, he has no doubt that the Airport can efficiently cater for the growing number of passengers and ensure seamless travel experiences.
He added that it will also boost economic activities, facilitate air connectivity to other Regions as well as promote trade and ecotourism.
“I therefore wish to take this opportunity to encourage airlines to operate flights to Tamale International Airport and other regional airports to improve air services and create opportunity for more people to travel. I also wish to urge the existing domestic airlines to increase their frequencies to make services more available to the travelling public,” the Minister said.
Hon. Ofori Asiamah stressed that the Ministry on it part will continue to pursue strategies to make Ghana the aviation hub within the West African Region and beyond.
He reiterated the government’s policy geared towards developments of airports in all regional capitals, adding that it is within this framework that over the past couple of years, the aviation sector has witnessed significant development in infrastructure development and service expansion coupled with the implementation of Government’s liberalized skies policy.
“It is in line with this policy that the Kumasi Airport Phase II & III which commenced in 2018 is about 95% complete whilst the rehabilitation of the Sunyani Airport has been completed and opened for commercial operations. We are also pursuing the development of a new Airport in either the Western Region, Central Region or straddle the two (2) regions for which the feasibility study has been completed.
“Ultimately, these developments would be a major socio-economic driver for growths and development. As I speak, Ghana’s Aviation Industry is on the path to recovery showing resilience and consistent growth in both domestic and international passenger numbers with domestic passenger exceeding the pre-COVID-19 conditions by 23.4%. This is indeed a historic performance which underscores the strong government support that our air transport sector enjoys. I therefore call on all stakeholders, particularly from the private sector players and investor community to continue to support Government in its development drive,” the Minister said.
About the Tamale International Airport
The Tamale airport which until now served as a domestic airport has been upgraded and expanded to serve as an international airport and as an alternate 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 increasingly interconnected and globalized world, the importance of a robust and efficient aviation infrastructure cannot be overemphasized.
The Tamale International Airport will serve as an important gateway, forging stronger economic ties, supporting international trade and tourism, and promoting religious and cultural exchanges.
The expanded airport includes a new terminal building equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that will transforms the very concept of comfort and convenience.
The Terminal has a capacity to handle 250,000 passengers covering approximately 3,000 square meters with provisions made for future expansion. The Airport also features a Hajj Village, a Two- Lane Single Carriageway Access Road and Secondary Roads, Landside and Airside Infrastructure, Water, Power and Sewage Infrastructure and an Apron Extension.
Source: Kasapafmonline.com
