The Bolgatanga, Nangodi, Bongo, and Tongo (BONABOTO) association, a non-partisan group representing citizens from these areas and their surroundings, has reiterated its strong support for the construction of an airport in the Upper East Region.
Speaking on Bolga FM’s Tingmaalgo Sanga on March 21, 2025, BONABOTO’s Public Relations Officer, Stanley Akamiri Abopam, emphasized the crucial role an airport would play in driving development.
“In this region, our foremost need is development, and much of that is driven by businesses and investors, including mining companies. These companies have already created employment opportunities, enabling workers to earn incomes, build homes, acquire vehicles, and enroll their children in better schools,” he stated.
Abopam argued that air transport would provide a safer and more convenient means of travel for investors and businesses operating in the region.
“Currently, roads are the primary means of transport between Accra and Bolgatanga or even Tamale. With an airport, which option would be safer and more efficient? Some argue that we lack enough hospitals and schools, but development does not happen in isolation. Just as rainwater flows in different directions, various aspects of development must be tackled simultaneously. The presence of an airport will not negate the need for hospitals or schools—each sector requires targeted attention.”
In a separate interview on Bolga FM’s Tingmaalgo Sanga on March 25, 2025, the President of the Upper East Youth Association, Francis Adingo, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the economic benefits an airport would bring.
“One of our biggest gaps is the absence of factories. Investment in the region is largely driven by foreign and local businesses. An airport would facilitate the efficient transportation of gold from the mines to Accra and attract more investors. Look at the Upper West Region—its airport has significantly boosted development and reduced travel time. A similar project in the Upper East will ease movement, create jobs, and enhance economic activity,” he said.
Adingo further noted that the construction of an airport would create direct employment opportunities for locals.
“Many people will find jobs—some as vendors, cleaners, security personnel, and other essential service providers. The need for this project is urgent; it cannot be deferred to the future.”
Gabriel Agambila, founder of Alagumgube, a development-oriented association, described the airport as a necessity rather than a luxury.
“An airport could be a lifesaver in medical emergencies. Imagine a critically ill patient needing urgent care—air travel could be the difference between life and death,” he noted.
Agambila also addressed concerns about prioritizing healthcare and social amenities over the airport, highlighting Alagumgube’s recent contributions.
“Just last Monday, we donated beds, mattresses, wheelchairs, and other medical supplies to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital. A few weeks earlier, we supported the Navrongo Prisons. Development requires a balanced approach. While we address social needs, we must also invest in infrastructure like the airport, which is essential for the region’s growth.”
As calls for the airport’s construction intensify, proponents argue that it would serve as a catalyst for economic expansion, attract investors, and improve transportation options for residents and businesses alike.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Seidu Mutawakil Azangbeogo|Ghana
