In a landmark ceremony marking a significant milestone in Ghana's aviation sector, the newly constructed terminal at the Kumasi Airport, now Prempeh I International Airport was officially commissioned. The ceremony highlighted the completion of a pivotal project aimed at enhancing the country's aviation infrastructure and service delivery.
His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic, commissioning the Airport, underscored his administration's commitment to infrastructure development.
The President said the commissioning was a testament to his dedication to improving the country. He stated that transforming the Airport into an International one was a vision turned into reality. He noted that the project was a crucial one for both the government and the Ashanti Region and that it will not only meet the region's needs but also serve as a symbol of development and progress.
The President explaining the reason behind the renaming of the airport, said Nana Agyeman Prempeh I contributed significantly to shaping the destiny and future of the Asantes. He highlighted how Nana Agyeman Prempeh I streamlined governance and enhanced Asante’s ability to respond to external and internal threats.
H.E. called on the Ministry and the Ghana Airport Company Limited to ensure that the maintenance of the project was also a priority so it did not start deteriorating anytime soon but be fit for years to come and expand more.
In his address, the Minister for Transport Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the project. He acknowledged the steadfast support and guidance of the President and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, particularly during the challenging periods of construction exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. "Your patience and unwavering support have been instrumental in the successful completion of this project," he remarked.
He said the Kumasi Airport has a rich history, having been operational for over 80 years. It initially served as a military airport during World War II, but later upgraded to support domestic flights. The latest developments, he said, were part of a strategic plan to transform Kumasi Airport into a fully functioning international hub, complementing Kotoka International Airport in Accra.
The newly commissioned terminal, which can handle approximately one million passengers annually, represents the second and third phases of the airport's redevelopment. The upgrades include an extended runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 737-800, and various state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance passenger experience and safety have been added to the project.
The Minister paid tribute to the former Ministers for Aviation, Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, and the late Hon. Joseph Kofi Adda, whose initial oversight and vision laid the groundwork for the current achievements. "This project is a testament to the collective efforts of many, and we owe our success to their dedication and hard work," the Minister stated.
The commissioning ceremony also served as a platform to address future challenges, notably the issue of land encroachment, which poses a threat to the airport's expansion. The Minister called on the Ghana Airports Company Limited and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority to collaborate with the Lands Commission to secure and protect airport lands, ensuring compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Hon. Ofori Asiamah noted that as Ghana's aviation industry continued to show resilience and growth, the new terminal was poised to play a crucial role in driving economic development and strengthening international relationships. “The government's vision to make Ghana the aviation hub of West Africa is steadily becoming a reality, promising a vibrant future for the sector”, he added.
The Minister acknowledged the hard work of all contributors, including engineers, architects, contractors, consultants, and various stakeholders whose combined efforts culminated in the successful completion of the project.
The event also saw the attendance of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith Christopher Rowley, His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, among other notable dignitaries.
