The construction of the Tamale Airport was started during the time of Ghana’s first government – the Dr. Kwame Nkrumah-led administration, the project was however abandoned in 1966. The first phase of the airport expansion began in September 2014, with the extension of the runway from 2438m to 3940m, the building of a new taxiway and apron, the renovation of an existing apron, and the installation of aviation ground lighting systems which was commissioned in 2016.
The Northern regional Minister, Alhaji Shani announced in a press briefing on Sunday that the second phase of the Tamale Airport Development Project has been completed and is said to be commissioned by the end of the year. The facility is an ultra-modern 5,000- square metre airport with an annual passenger output capacity of 400,000. The Northern Region will benefit immensely from this project as it will enhance the local economy, tourism, and investment initiative in the region.
The expansion project includes a modern terminal, VIP Lounge, two boarding gates, four self-serving check-in points, and eight check-in desks. It also includes airline bureaus, 350 capacity car park, enabling, and a 5km road network.
On August 15, 2019, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo cut the sod for the commencement of the US$70 million project scheduled to be finished within 6 months.
The Regional minister emphasized that the Tamale Airport had the best Tarmac in Ghana and will potentially be the leading centre for air cargo to export agricultural products across West Africa. Good work has been done so far to upgrade the Tamale Airport to international standards, which now serves as an alternative to the Kotoka International airport.
It is the hope of every Ghanaian that, in the same spirit, the new governments will complete the developmental projects started by their predecessors. That is the sure way to achieve economic growth, and national development and enhance tourism in the country.
Priscilla Fumadorh
Priscilla is an entrepreneur and a creative communicator who loves to communicate through writing. She is passionate about national economic issues and does not miss a chance to offer her opinions on them for the good of the country.