Benjamin Atuasi, the Deputy Communication Director for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper East Region, has emphasized that the proposed airport for the region is not a luxury but a critical necessity for unlocking economic potential and improving connectivity.
According to Atuasi, the construction of an airport will enhance regional trade, improve accessibility, and open up avenues for economic development.
In a recent write-up, he outlined the NDC’s commitment to the holistic development of the Upper East Region, highlighting various infrastructural and policy initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth. He argued that an airport would serve as a catalyst for these development goals, allowing the region to overcome the limitations of its geographical isolation.
Atuasi referenced President John Dramani Mahama’s promise during his Thank You Tour of the region on March 20, 2025, where he unveiled plans to construct an airport through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), particularly involving private mining companies. This, he explained, would facilitate the safe airlifting of gold bullion from the region to Accra, benefiting both the mining sector and regional businesses.
“Let no one downplay the significance of an airport in the Upper East Region,” Atuasi wrote. “To dismiss it as unnecessary in light of other pressing issues is not only disingenuous but shortsighted. The airport will be a game-changer, stimulating economic growth, boosting connectivity, and facilitating trade with neighboring countries like Togo, Burkina Faso, and Niger.”
He cited data from Tamale Airport, which shows that over 50% of its passengers originate from the Upper East Region and neighboring countries. This highlights the demand for a regional airport, which would reduce dependency on Tamale and provide easier access for businesses and travelers. Additionally, it would enable the efficient transport of gold and other natural resources, positioning the Upper East as a hub for international trade and investment.
Atuasi also underscored the NDC’s broader development agenda, which includes key infrastructure projects such as the construction of the regional airport, road improvements connecting the Upper East to neighboring regions, and the completion of critical dams to enhance agriculture and water supply. The government also plans to expand rural electrification, boost healthcare services, and provide targeted social interventions like the MahamaCares Trust Fund and the Women’s Development Bank.
He therefore noted, “These projects and policies reaffirm the NDC’s dedication to advancing the Upper East Region’s prosperity. Let’s support the airport initiative, which will pave the way for a more prosperous and connected future for the people of the Upper East.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
