Social commentator Stanley Abopam has strongly criticized those opposing the construction of an airport in the Upper East Region, dismissing their concerns about the project’s financial and economic viability. Opponents have cited the Auditor-General’s report, which assessed the economic viability of regional airports in Wa, Tamale, Sunyani, Kumasi, and Ho, to support their arguments.
Speaking on the Day Break Upper East Show with Gerard Asagi, Mr. Abopam asserted, “A careful study of these arguments reveals three possibilities. If we are being generous, we might assume these individuals simply lack an understanding of development dynamics. Alternatively, they could be anti-progressive or perhaps narrow-minded academics.”
While acknowledging that his remarks might seem harsh, Mr. Abopam stood by them. “Forgive me, but this is how I see it,” he stated.
He emphasized the necessity of an airport in the Upper East Region, given its distance from the national capital. “It takes at least 14 hours by bus to travel to Accra. If any region needs an airport, it is ours.”
Referencing historical discussions on the matter, Mr. Abopam pointed out that the first conversations about an Upper East Regional Airport date back to 1948 under colonial rule, which led to the creation of the Paga airstrip.
Meanwhile, Adongo Ayorogo has called on residents of the Upper East Region to support the development of a regional airport, urging them to look beyond statistical analyses.
Responding to an article by regional native Azure Imoro Abdulai, who opposed the airport’s construction based on the Auditor-General’s report, Mr. Ayorogo argued that financial figures alone should not determine the project’s viability. Mr. Abdulai had highlighted the financial struggles of existing regional airports, stating:
“According to the Auditor-General’s findings, the five existing regional airports—Kumasi, Tamale, Sunyani, Ho, and Wa—struggle to generate revenue that justifies their operational costs. The numbers paint a grim picture. For instance, Kumasi Airport spent GH¢15.68 million but only generated GH¢8.22 million. Tamale Airport earned GH¢4.74 million yet had expenditures of GH¢15.41 million. Sunyani Airport made a meager GH¢95,626.58 after spending GH¢4.53 million. Ho Airport, which recorded zero revenue, still had expenditures of GH¢1.38 million. Wa Airport generated GH¢77,250.48 but had an operational cost of GH¢2.15 million. Given these figures, it is difficult to argue that an airport in Bolgatanga would fare any better. If well-established cities like Kumasi and Tamale struggle to sustain their airports, what guarantees does Bolgatanga have of breaking this trend?”
However, Mr. Ayorogo countered that opposition to the airport focuses too narrowly on financial data without considering the broader economic and developmental benefits. “They are not looking beyond the statistics. They are not considering the other advantages that come with such a facility. It is a limited perspective,” he argued.
He shared personal experiences where potential investors lost interest in the region because they were unwilling to fly to Tamale and endure a two-hour road journey to Bolgatanga. He insisted that a regional airport would enhance investor confidence, boost trade, and improve accessibility, ultimately driving economic growth in the Upper East Region.
Addressing concerns that the project might divert resources from other pressing developmental needs, Mr. Ayorogo dismissed such fears as unfounded.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
