The Kumasi International Airport is set to be commissioned and operationalised, the Minister for Transport, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, has informed Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
His Majesty is expected to lead the commissioning on a date yet to be agreed together with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The Minister during a courtesy call on Monday, April 22, 2024 told Otumfuo that Messrs Contracta Construction UK Ltd had handed over the facility to the government per agreement after completing the new passenger terminal building.
He, however, indicated that the extension of the runway is still ongoing.
“I am here with the Management and Board. We were working on the terminal and runway at the airport. By the grace of God, we have completed the terminal and the contractor has handed over to us. We now have to operationalise it. However, work is still ongoing on the runway. We had to come and update our Lord about it. We also plead that he leads the Commissioning when the time is due, inspect it and unveil the name together with the President.”
He characterized the facility as one of the most advanced airports in West Africa with certification by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
He reflected on the intervention of His Majesty which compelled the President to seek alternative funding to complete the project which had stalled since 2022.
Throwing more light on the issue of the runway, the Minister explained, “The Engineers told us there is the need to extend the runway to accommodate Boeing 737. Persons living around would be moved out.”
He used the occasion to thank Otumfuo for intervening to cause the resumption of work on the project.
“Thank you for your intervention which the President heeded to make way for the continuation and completion of the facility.”
The Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, for her part said Management would take a working visit to the facility for testing on April 23, 2024.
“We will run through everything to see if the terminal is functioning as it should.”
His Majesty in his remarks highlighted the economic benefits the operationalization of the facility would reap and urged the Minister to take proactive measures in engaging international airlines.
“This airport is important to me because jobs would be created through it. It will facilitate the importation of fruits produced in the region as well as facilitate trips. Foreigners would take flights directly from here. It will facilitate the trips of people living in the Ahafo and Bono Regions.”
“Airline companies must be engaged to operate here when the time is due. 60% of travellers pass through Ashanti Region. The British Airways and all other international airlines must come to operate here. This will create jobs and facilitate development.”
Otumfuo also expressed a deep sense of gratitude to the president for opting to name airport after Nana Agyeman Prempeh I.
He noted that the location of the facility used to house a residence of the thirteenth King of the Asante Kingdom.
“That was where he stayed for his vacations for relaxation. Not many people knew about it.”
The Minister led the Management members of the GACL to the Manhyia Palace on April 22, 2024. The delegation included Kwabena Yeboah and Paul Adom Otchere, both board members of the GACL, along with other board members of the GACL.
Source: Manhyia Palace
