The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday, 3rd August 2022, commissioned Phase I of the Sunyani Airport Rehabilitation Project.
Describing the commissioning ceremony as a “a seminal moment in the growth and development of this elegant city, Sunyani”, President Akufo-Addo stated that “the rehabilitation of this airport is a critical part of government’s vision to expand the frontiers of the aviation industry in the country, and to realise the dream of making Ghana an aviation hub in West Africa”.
The existence of the Sunyani Airport dates back to the Second World War in 1942, when it was used as an airstrip for the Allied Forces. In 1969, the then far-sighted Busia Government, realising the need for an airport in Sunyani, initiated construction work to convert the airstrip into an airport. This was completed and officially opened on 13th July 1974 by Col. P.K. Agyekum, the then Commissioner for Transport and Communications.
“For an airport of such rich history to be allowed to deteriorate and be temporarily shut down in March 2016 was in bad taste, and that is why, in the run-up to the December 2016 general election, I promised to do something about it” he said.
The President continued, “In line with my government’s policy to provide a functional air travel infrastructure to enhance the development of our nation’s Middle Belt, and strengthen the growth of agriculture, general business and industrial transformation, a works contract was awarded to M/S Resource Access Limited to commence work on the rehabilitation of the airport, which began in 2019”.
He told the gathering that the scope of works included the rehabilitation and extension of the runway from one thousand, two hundred and eighty metres (1,280 metres) to one thousand four hundred metres (1,400 metres); repair of the apron to accommodate small to medium size aircraft; minimal renovation of the Terminal Building; and construction of some airport internal roads.
With air travel picking up, following the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry, it is expected that domestic passenger traffic will continue to grow over the coming years, and will require more infrastructural developments in the sector.
“I am happy to inform you that there are projects currently ongoing in our nation’s aviation sector which will open up our country even further. They are Phases II & III of the Kumasi Airport project, which are presently some ninety-three percent (93%) complete, and Phase II of Tamale Airport which is ninety-five percent (95%) complete,” the President said.
Touching on the widespread encroachment of airport lands, a phenomenon which threatens the future expansion of airports in the country, President Akufo-Addo stated that “it must be stopped.”
According to him, “the operators and regulators of our airports, as well as the Lands Commission, need to sit up and ensure that lands, belonging to our airports, are managed properly and duly protected, not only for future projects of expansion, but also for safeguarding lives and property”.
The President assured residents of Sunyani that “this project is a sign of greater things to come for Sunyani and the Bono Region and, indeed, for the whole nation. The Akufo-Addo Government’s commitment to the development of all parts of Ghana, without discrimination, is absolute”.
Source: Peacefmonline.com
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@Tell truth, give credit where credit is due. If you are not a Christian, you might be a Moslem or a traditional worshiper, all these religion appreciate goodness. For your information, Kumasi airport has been finished to international standard, there is some finishing touches being done for the opening of the airport to the international airlines. This Sunyani airport has been expanded in the first phase and it will be upgraded to international standard in the near future. Mr Tell Truth please google Kumasi Airport to see the new outlook.
THIS IS GREAT BUT GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXTEND THE RUNWAY SO THAT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY A WIDEBODIED AIRCRAFT HAPPEN TO HAVE EMERGENCY LANDING THEY CAN USE IT IF THE LAND AROUND THESE AREAS HAVE BEEN ENCROACHED PLEASE DEMOLISHED THESE BUILDINGS TO MAKE WAY FOR THE RUNWAY EXTENSION. VERY IMPORTANT.
Don’t look beyond your mirror for the kuraasini he’s right b4 you…next time read over your comment b4 you post you might make some little sense
Kruasini i guess you don't understand what WORD COMMISSION IS DIDNT THEY ALSO COMISSION KUMASI AIRPORT AND BUANKRA INLAND PORT yet in 2022 aint sht been done there. Absolutely nothing has been done. They are both halted, so basically commissioning is just a fake way to like to public to make it seem work is about to start when its not
Good governance at work! NPP keep on keeping on. God is on your side.