The Tamale International Airport Phase II project on Tuesday, August 22, was inaugurated in the Northern regional capital by Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia.
The project, which is being supported by the UK-Ghana Business Council (UKGBC), is a component of the government’s infrastructure development initiative for the aviation sector, which aims to advance the aviation sector’s boundaries and establish Ghana as an aviation centre in the West African area.
Dr. Bawumia, who officially started construction on the Tamale International Airport Phase II project on August 15, 2019, stated his happiness that it had been finished after four years.
“Ghana now has a fully functional international airport in Tamale. This project is so dear to the government and particularly the hard-working people of the Northern Region and its trading partners across the length and breadth of the country and the region,” Bawumia said.
“The completion of this ultra-modern terminal building together with a multi-purpose terminal and other ancillary facilities is expected to provide the needed impetus for increased economic trading activities and to reinforce the status of Tamale as a Sub-Saharan hub airport for flights to and from neighbouring West African countries and the Sahel Region.
“The Tamale International Airport will serve as an alternative to the Kotoka International Airport,” he added.
The Tamale International Airport Phase II project is an approximately 5,000 metre squared expandable ultra-modern airport terminal building with an annual passenger throughput of 400,000; a multi-purpose terminal (Hajj facility), a 5km single carriageway access road; a 330 capacity car park, a technical hub to manage electricity, waste water treatment and other essentials, as well as other ancillary facilities have been completed at the airport.
A VIP lounge, two boarding gates, two self-service check-in kiosks, eight check-in stations, airline offices, and commercial shopping sections are among the features of the new terminal structure.
At US$70 million, the cost of works on the Tamale Airport Phase II Project is significantly lower than the US$110m cost incurred under Phase I, undertaken between 2014 and 2016, although the scope of works – extension of the runway by one kilometer, installation of lights and the partial fencing of the airport – were fewer.
Noting that the Northern Region is known for its vibrancy in agricultural and economic activities, the Vice President stated that the airport’s location within the Sahelian belt, also known as Ghana’s food basket, is expected to improve access to markets for local agricultural produce, boost tourism, and attract passengers from neighbouring countries.
“Indeed, the government intends to use Tamale International Airport to support the Northern Development Authority (NDA) of Ghana’s programmes to harness fresh agricultural produce for export to other parts of the world, as well as to create employment and wealth in this geographical zone.”
“The agricultural boost would be leveraged to support the development of agro-based industries in Northern Ghana. Tamale International Airport expansion is projected to be a catalyst for industry and rapid socioeconomic growth.”
“I hope that other service providers will use the completion of this project to invest in other areas such as the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, the development of cargo facilities and cold stores for the export of fresh produce, and the establishment of an Aviation Training Organisation (ATO),” he said.
According to Bawumia, the airport expansion is also significant, since it would make it easier for Muslim devout to go to Mecca for the yearly pilgrimage.
“Significantly, it is also expected that the Tamale International Airport will make Tamale the Hajj hub in Ghana and facilitate seamless travel directly to Saudi Arabia for the seasonal pilgrimage to Mecca. It is gratifying to note that the multi-Purpose Terminal, which was completed in 2022, has been used in facilitating Hajj Pilgrims in 2022 and 2023.”
The Vice President raised alarm over extensive encroachment on airport grounds, saying that it may jeopardise future airport growth and impede rescue attempts in the unlikely case of an accident.
“Our airport operators and regulators, as well as the Lands Commission, must collaborate closely to ensure that airport lands are properly protected and managed, not only for future airport expansion but also to protect lives and property in the unlikely event of an accident occurring at or near the airport enclave. As a result, I task the agencies responsible for enforcing the law, and I implore all residents to assist so that we may fully profit from the expansion of the aviation industry.”
Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Minister of Transport, urged airline operators in the sub-region and beyond to take advantage of Ghana’s expanding aviation offers, promising them an “unmatched travel experience” to – and within – Ghana.
Harriet Thompson, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, is optimistic that the new Tamale International Airport would spur investment and prosperity in Ghana’s northern region.
The recently opened Tamale International Airport, in her opinion, adds to Ghana’s expanding list of important infrastructure projects.
“Today, we celebrate not only the expansion of Ghana’s critical infrastructure, but also the potential of this fantastic international airport to galvanise investment and growth throughout Ghana’s north.”
“Tamale and this whole area of the country are now connected to markets across the continent and the world,” she added.
