Upper east region: President John Dramani Mahama has assured the chiefs and people of the Upper East Region that construction of the long-awaited Upper East Regional Airport at Sumbrungu-Kulbia will commence before the end of 2026. He stated that the procurement process for the project was progressing steadily and expressed confidence that the necessary approvals would be secured to enable the commencement of construction works.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama gave the assurance during an inspection of the proposed airport site at Sumbrungu-Kulbia as part of his working visit to the region. He mentioned that, although the project had a 24-month completion period, contractors indicated their ability to complete it in a shorter timeframe.
The President emphasized that the airport would serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the region by improving connectivity and facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services between the Upper East Region and the rest of the country. Currently, residents travel about 160 kilometers to Tamale to access air transport services to Accra, which he described as inconvenient and time-consuming.
He further highlighted that the airport would support businesses operating in the region, including mining companies, by providing a more efficient means of transporting gold bullion and other high-value goods to Accra. Beyond the construction of an airport, plans to develop an airport city around the facility aim to create additional economic opportunities and enhance investment prospects.
President Mahama urged residents to patronize the airport once completed to ensure increased passenger traffic and facilitate future expansion. The airport is designed as a scalable facility with an initial capacity of 100,000 passengers annually that can be expanded as demand increases.
Mr. James Agalga, Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), noted that the airport would feature a 2.2-kilometer runway capable of accommodating all aircraft currently operating on domestic routes in Ghana. The facility will also include an apron for two aircraft, a link taxiway, and airfield lighting for night operations. The terminal building will integrate with an Air Traffic Control tower, and a Rescue and Fire Fighting Services facility will be constructed.
He added that the project includes a five-kilometer asphalt access road to serve the airport. Approvals are expected by October to allow for work to begin earnestly. The Upper East Regional Airport is one of three airport projects being pursued by the government, along with proposed developments in Wa and Sunyani.
Naba Tandegrewongrekugre Clifford Asobayire V, Paramount Chief of the Kologo Traditional Area, expressed gratitude to President Mahama on behalf of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs. He conveyed the eagerness of the chiefs and people for the project to commence and their confidence in the President's commitment.
A total of 2,888.72 hectares of land has been provided free of charge by the chiefs and people of Sumbrungu for the airport project since the 1970s, with a 2.2-kilometer stretch already cleared for the runway.