“Vice President Bawumia Inaugurates Tamale International Airport Phase II Project”
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia took the lead in inaugurating the Tamale International Airport Phase II Project in the capital of the Northern Region. This significant infrastructure initiative, facilitated by the UK-Ghana Business Council (UKGBC) under Dr. Bawumia’s co-chairmanship, plays a vital role in Ghana’s aviation sector expansion plan. The objective is to elevate the nation to a West African aviation hub and bolster the aviation industry.
Dr. Bawumia initiated this project with a groundbreaking ceremony in August 2019, and his elation is evident as he marks the completion of the Tamale International Airport Phase II after four years. He underlined the project’s importance in enhancing economic trade, solidifying Tamale’s status as a Sub-Saharan Hub Airport, and providing an alternative to the Kotoka International Airport.
The upgrades carried out at the airport encompass an ultra-modern terminal building covering around 5,000 square meters, expandable to accommodate future growth. The terminal boasts an annual passenger capacity of 400,000, a versatile multi-purpose terminal (Hajj Facility), a 5km access road, a 330-capacity parking facility, a technical hub for managing utilities, and various supporting amenities. Within the new terminal building, travelers will find a VIP lounge, two boarding gates, self-service check-in kiosks, check-in desks, airline offices, and commercial retail areas.
Impressively, the Phase II Project costs $70 million, a notable reduction from the $110 million expended during Phase I, which took place between 2014 and 2016. Phase I included extending the runway by one kilometer, installing lighting, and partial fencing. The Northern Region, famed for its agricultural and economic activities, stands to benefit significantly from the airport’s location within the Sahelian belt, an area known as Ghana’s food basket. The Tamale International Airport is anticipated to open avenues to markets for local agricultural produce, enhance tourism, and attract travelers from neighboring nations.
The government intends to harness the airport’s potential to support the Northern Development Authority’s programs. This involves leveraging the airport to facilitate the export of fresh agricultural produce, fostering employment and prosperity within the region. This initiative will also bolster the growth of agro-based industries in Northern Ghana.
Vice President Bawumia holds high hopes that the project’s completion will spur further investment in related services. These include the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, the development of cargo and cold storage facilities for exporting perishables, and the creation of an Aviation Training Organization (ATO), among other promising opportunities. This holistic approach is set to invigorate the region’s economy and open doors for further aviation-related ventures.
