Social Commentator Stanley Abopam is calling on all leaders from various sectors of the Upper East Region to unite and demand the quick construction of an airport for the region.
Mr. Abopam, a member of the regional pressure group, Airport Development Committee, explained that leaders in the Upper East Region should leverage the upcoming election year to demand commitment from political leaders regarding the construction of the airport.
Mr. Abopam made these comments during an appearance on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show with Mark Smith.
He added that if politicians, regardless of their affiliations, demanded the construction of the airport with one voice, it would be difficult for political leadership to refuse. However, if leaders from the mentioned areas do not speak with a unified voice, completing the airport within a reasonable time would be impossible.
Meanwhile, Stephen Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Minister, has called on residents in the region to rally behind the government in its quest to construct an airport. He emphasized that the airport was urgently needed to boost the local economy, irrespective of political affiliations.
He urged the 15 Members of Parliament and concerned individuals to work together to realize the long-awaited vision for the region. Hon. Yakubu made this call at a durbar of chiefs and people of the region in Sumbrungu, a suburb of the Bolgatanga Municipality.
Hon. Yakubu disclosed that French, Moroccan, and Chinese investors were contacted to support the construction, but they were reluctant to solely fund the airport. Instead, they proposed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement. The Minister mentioned that a mining company in the region had shown interest in the construction, and the government was engaging with the company to finalize the necessary terms and conditions.
Hon. Yakubu stated that he would work closely with the Airport Development Committee and assured that he would seek the necessary clearance for the Committee to meet with either the President or the Vice President to expedite the required processes for starting the construction work.
He cautioned residents to be wary of politicians making empty promises during the political season to gain votes.
In a speech read on behalf of the Chiefs, Elders, and ‘Tindaamas’ (Landowners) by Naba Patrick Ayimbila Asaliya III, the Chairman of the Airport Development Committee, it was highlighted that the region, being far from the national capital, was the only region among the traditional ten regions without an airport. He noted that the Chiefs and Tindaamas at the project site willingly released the land at their own cost, with farmlands and economic trees sacrificed for the project.
Naba Asaliya III added that the discovery of gold, oil, and industrial clay in commercial quantities in the region further underscored the need for the airport to propel development.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Bolgatanga|
