Plans for the long-anticipated Upper East Regional Airport have received a major boost, as the Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, has hinted that sod-cutting for the project could take place within the next three months.
Mrs. Opare made the disclosure on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, during a high-powered site inspection visit to the proposed airport location in the Upper East Region.
According to her, significant preparatory work has already been completed, with only final designs and some documentation processes left to be concluded.
“With the advance works done, we are now left with designs and some documentation. If all goes as planned, we are hopeful that His Excellency President John Mahama will perform the sod-cutting in about three months,” she said.
The inspection formed part of efforts by aviation authorities to conduct a detailed technical assessment of the site and to engage directly with landowners whose lands have been earmarked for the project.
Mrs. Opare commended the landowners for voluntarily releasing their lands for the development of the airport, describing the gesture as a historic contribution to the region’s development.
She was accompanied by the Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur; the Board Chairman of GACL, Mr. James Agalga; and other senior officials from the aviation sector.
Rev. Arthur assured residents that the construction of the Upper East Regional Airport was no longer a mere promise but a reality, noting that government preparations for the project were far advanced.
“From the government’s end, preparations are well underway. This airport will surely be constructed,” he said.
Mr. Agalga, who is also the Member of Parliament for Builsa North, reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering the airport and urged residents of the Upper East Region to remain confident. He said the project would significantly enhance connectivity, investment and economic growth.
Also present at the site inspection were the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Atanga, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Upper East Regional Communication Officer, Jonathan Salifu Abdallah.
Mr. Atanga expressed appreciation to the visiting team and disclosed his desire to see construction begin as early as February 2026, with hopes of a swift completion and commissioning.
He assured that the Regional Coordinating Council, traditional authorities, landowners and other stakeholders would play their part to ensure the successful realization of the project.
Mr. Abdallah also welcomed the development, describing the current administration under President John Mahama as “a working government with the Upper East Region at heart.”
The proposed Upper East Regional Airport is expected to improve regional connectivity, boost tourism and trade, enhance emergency services and mark a significant milestone in the region’s development.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
