Members of an association known as Alagumgube in the Upper East Region have taken the initiative to clear land for the construction of an airport as they renew calls for the government to fulfill its long-standing promise of establishing an airport in the region.
The designated 2,885.72-hectare land, located in the Sumbrungu-Anateem community in the Bolgatanga Municipality, was willingly released to the government for the project as far back as the 1980s. However, despite multiple attempts by successive governments, the airport project has yet to materialize. A 3.5-kilometer-long and 120-meter-wide runway was constructed but later abandoned, leaving the region without an aviation facility.
Before President Mahama arrived in the region as part of his post-election “Thank You” tour, the Alagumgube Association mobilized resources to clear the abandoned runway. Using earthmovers and graders, they re-graveled the site and reshaped an existing access road leading to the project site.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Gabriel Agambila, the founder, urged the government to prioritize the construction of the airport, emphasizing that the absence of an airport in the region poses a major risk to travelers.
“We were here last year to appeal to the authorities for an airport, but nothing happened. So we are here again to take action. We can’t just wait for the government to construct the airport for us. As you can see, we have graders and earthmovers, and we are trying to re-gravel the place. This site has been allocated for about 34 years, and the only thing preventing an airplane from landing is the trees. We are clearing the trees while waiting for the government to come to our aid,” Mr. Agambila stated.
On behalf of the Bolgatanga Traditional Council, Naba Sadik Ayine Inusah, Chief of Gambibgo, commended the association for its initiative and echoed the call for the government to fulfill its campaign promise of constructing the Upper East Regional Airport.
“This site was earmarked for the airport about 34 years ago, and it remains the best choice for the region. We, the people of the region, are eager for an airport,” he stated.
A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Joshua Asaah | Sumbrungu
