The Phase one of the SunyaniAirport rehabilitation works project has been completed and opened to traffic.
The SunyaniAirport was closed down in 2016, but actual rehabilitation works started in 2019 following the massive deterioration of the runway which was not condusive for aircraft to land on.
The runway which was previously 1,280 metres has been expanded to 1520 metres to accommodate bigger aircraft and safe landing.
Commissioning it, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said the rehabilitation of airports in the country was in line with his government’s policy to make Ghana an aviation hub of West Africa.
Air travels across the globe the President noted has resumed after the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world and government was working to improve infrastructure in the sector to boost businesses and employment.
The deterioration of the SunyaniAirport which compelled its closure in 2016 the President observed was in bad state adding that he was delighted phase I of the airport had been completed.
President Akufo-Addo said phase I of the Kumasi and Tamale airports expansion projects areat 93 and 95 per cent respectively and when work is completed will resume international flights.
The President added that the processes of phase II of the SunyaniAirport is being worked on and work would start soon.
MrKwakuOforiAsiamah, Minister of Transport, said he was happy that the project has been completed and handed over and commended the contractor for a good work done.
He said the completion of the airport project was in line with government policy to construct airports in the regions to boost domestic tourism and businesses across the country.
The Dormaahene,Oseadeyor Agyemang Badu ll who is also the president of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs commended the government for completion of the project which would open the region to investors.
He appealed to residents of the region to patronise the services of the airlines that would start operations at the airport in order to enable them stay in business.
The chief appealed to the President to ensure that phase two of the airport project also begins in earnest as it was promised.
The traditional ruler also expressed concern about the deplorable nature of road networks in the region and appealed to the President to ensure that works on them are completed on time.
He mentioned the Berekum-Sampa and New Dormaa Road projects which work on them had stalled was affecting transportation and businesses to the region.
The Bono Regional Minister, Justina OwusuBanahene, on her part said the commissioning of the SunyaniAirport was ample evidence of the track record of the government to boost the aviation industry.
She commended the chiefs and people of the region for their diverse contribution in ensuring the completion of the project.
The SunyaniAirport, originally a communication outpost and aerodrome was built in 1942 for use by the allied forces during World War II.
The airstrip was later abandoned before the war ended. In 1969, the government initiated the construction of a complete airport for the region and was officially opened on July 13, 1974.
FROM DANIEL DZIRASAH SUNYANI
