The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has called for the urgent construction of an airport in the region, describing it as “the next frontier for our region’s transformation.”
Speaking at the commissioning of the Upper East Regional Passport Application Centre in Bolgatanga, the Minister said while the establishment of the passport office marks a major milestone in bringing essential government services closer to the people, the region’s next major aspiration is air transport connectivity.
“The next frontier for our region’s transformation lies in air transport connectivity. This quest is a strategic necessity that will unlock the region’s vast economic, tourism, and trade potentials,” Mr. Akamugri said.
He explained that the region’s growing population, proximity to Burkina Faso and Togo, and increasing attraction of international mining firms make the case for an airport even more compelling. He emphasized that air transport would not only boost business and tourism but also foster balanced regional development.
The Minister revealed that the proposed Bolgatanga Airport already has a cleared 2-kilometre runway and a total land area of 4,218.43 acres (1,707.17 hectares), which has been duly submitted to the Ghana Airport Company Limited. He commended the chiefs and people of Sumbrungu for their patriotic act of releasing the land freely since the 1980s for the airport project.
“The demand for the airport is strong, real, and the benefits are undeniable. The NDC government under H.E. John Dramani Mahama cannot have a better legacy in this region than to see the full realization of this airport project,” he said.
Mr. Akamugri further appealed to the Ministry of Transport to prioritize the commencement of the Bolgatanga Airport as part of efforts to achieve President Mahama’s vision of a connected and inclusive Ghana.
He also lauded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Commercial Bank, and the Alagumgube Group for their roles in realizing the new passport office, which he described as a “symbol of hope, dignity, and decentralization.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga
