Accra: President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday commenced construction on the $1.3 billion Sentuo Airport Garden City Project. The ambitious project, spearheaded by the Sentuo Group, will include 582 premium apartments, a 600-room hotel, a conference facility with a 2,500-person capacity, healthcare facilities, a modern shopping mall, landscaped gardens, and a four-story apartment building with 503 parking spaces. The development also boasts an array of supporting commercial and leisure amenities.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama emphasized that the project's value extends beyond its physical structures. He stressed the importance of the urban environment it will create and the opportunities it will bring to the Ghanaian people. The President highlighted that during the construction phase, it is crucial for Ghanaian engineers, architects, artisans, technicians, suppliers, and other local businesses to have meaningful opportunities to participate. He advocated for young people to benefit from apprenticeships, practical training, and skills transfer initiatives.
President Mahama underscored the long-term economic benefits of the development, noting that it will require a diverse range of goods and services, thereby creating sustained opportunities for Ghanaian entrepreneurs and stimulating economic activity beyond the project site. He urged developers to view local content as a central measure of the project's success rather than a mere regulatory obligation.
The President also highlighted the significance of the tourism and hospitality components of the development. With Accra increasingly attracting business travelers, tourists, and international conference participants, he emphasized the need to enhance the range and quality of accommodations and related services in the city. He recounted instances where Accra was bypassed for major international conferences due to inadequate facilities, expressing confidence that the new development would remedy this situation.
President Mahama noted that the Sentuo Airport Garden City Project complements ongoing government investments around the airport. He referenced recent developments at the Accra International Conference and Accra International Airport, including a seven-story project with 2,030 parking spaces, two hotels, and commercial facilities. These initiatives are financed by the nation's aviation institutions and are part of a broader transformation effort in the airport area.
The President lauded the partnership with the private sector, stating that such collaborations are vital for national development. He reiterated the government's role in providing a stable environment for businesses to thrive and ensuring that resulting opportunities and benefits are accessible to the people.
He further highlighted that the project's diverse activities align with the country's 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, which aims to sustain productive activities and create additional employment and enterprise opportunities.
President Mahama concluded by commending Mr. Xu Ningquan, Executive Chairman of Sentuo Group, and the Group Management for their continued confidence in Ghana and their investment commitment. Mr. Ningquan remarked that their investments would significantly bolster Ghana-China relations.